Life presents us with plenty of opportunities for confusion. It is in these moments that we can either face them on our own, or allow our faith to work, as we trust God for the answers and the peace we need. James 1:5-8 provides us a trusted roadmap to experience wisdom in times of confusion.

James 1:5-8 5“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.” (NLT = New Living Translation)

1. When Confused, God is there to

James 1:5a “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.” (NLT)

• Replace worry with

Matthew 6:25-33 25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

28 And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

31 So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (NLT)

• With wisdom, comes

Philippians 4:6-7 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (NLT)

2. When confused God shows

James 1:5b “… He will not rebuke you for asking.” (NLT)

1 Corinthians 1:3 “May God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace” (NLT)

2 Peter 1:2 “May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord” (NLT)

3. When Confused God can be

James 1:6a “But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone.” (NLT)

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (NLT)

• With trust comes

James 1:6b-8 “Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.” (NLT)

Discussion Questions:

1. Read James 1:5-8. Pray and ask God to guide your discussion on how to make your faith work when confused.
   

2. Describe a time of great confusion in your life. How did you handle that time? Did you seek God and experience His help? Describe.
   

3. Read Matthew 6:25-33. How does it make you feel when you read how much God cares for and loves you? How have you experienced His peace in times of seeking Him first?
   

4. When experiencing confusion, what difference does God’s grace make? Have you accepted this free gift? How did it help?
   

5. Read Proverbs 3:5-6. Have you experienced the stability that comes with placing your full trust in God? Discuss the difference between being loyal to your ways, and being loyal to God.