The passage is taken from James 1:5-8:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
The New Testament mentions several people named James—the disciple of Jesus, James the son of Zebedee, James the son of Alphaeus, and others. The Bible does not specifically state which James wrote this letter, but it is clear that he was a well-known and respected leader among the early Christian community. Scripture portrays James as an outstanding figure—a well-respected man and one of the important leaders of the early church.
We see James in various passages of Scripture, especially in Acts 15:13, where he refers to the Scriptures during the Jerusalem Council to give his decision. In Galatians, we also see James as one who gives authority to others. In Acts 21:18, Paul mentions his ministry to James, and in Galatians 2:9, Paul calls James one of the “three pillars” of the church. All these references show that James was a responsible man in ministry and an important figure in the church.
James, who is called a pillar of the church, understood the importance of complete trust in the Lord as the foundation of the Christian faith. The main theme of this epistle is practical Christianity. In this passage, James speaks about asking God and waiting on Him with complete trust—something he felt was important for the church of his time. The same need exists for the church today in the 21st century. Lack of trust in God is what causes many believers to lose their grip on faith. Therefore, we need to understand why complete trust is necessary in our relationship with God.
1. What Do We Have to Ask God?
James writes in verse 5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.”
To understand this in its historical context, we must look at biblical history. The land where James lived—Palestine—was known for its richness. The land was blessed with oil, fine wine, and fruitful fig trees. Because it was near the sea, salt was also abundant. This made Palestine a prosperous land for trade.
Many commentaries suggest that the congregations James was addressing were Christian Jews who were wealthy in property and business but were slowly giving themselves over to worldly pursuits.
What James is saying here is that, although they were rich and had all kinds of material wealth, they lacked something far more important—the wisdom of God. This is why James encourages the church to seek God’s wisdom before seeking the world’s wisdom.
The same question applies to the modern church: Do you have all the things of the world but lack the wisdom of God? Having “wealth” doesn’t only mean business or money—it can also mean having a good family or other blessings that make you feel like you already have everything. But if you don’t have the wisdom of God, you still lack what truly matters. It’s time to ask for it!
2. What Should Be Our Attitude After Asking God? — Complete Trust!
The Jewish Christians lacked wisdom and were told to ask God. But after asking, what should be their attitude?
The answer is simple—they must wait on the Lord with complete faith, without doubting. The verse says, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting” (James 1:6)
What James is saying here is that when we ask God for wisdom, or for anything else, our duty is to commit ourselves to Him and wait patiently until He gives. It’s not only about what we ask but also how we ask!
Sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking that because we asked for something according to God’s will, He must immediately give it. But our role is to trust that He knows the right time and way to answer. This should be the attitude of every Christian—both in James’s time and today.
If we ask God but do not trust Him, our asking has no meaning. When you ask God, trust Him completely. That should be the true attitude of a Christian.
3. What Are the Consequences If We Do Not Trust God in His Giving?
James warns the Jewish Christians that if they do not believe, they are like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. He further says such a person is double-minded and unstable (James 1:7) (in Greek, “akatastatos,” meaning inconstant or unsteady) in all they do.
According to Jewish custom, waves represent instability and restlessness—like the sea that never stays calm. In the same way, a person who does not trust God is restless and lacks peace.
James further explains that such a person has no stability in life and cannot make sound decisions. The saddest part is that such a person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
4. What Is the Hope for Such a Soul?
Remember, James is talking to Jewish Christians who already believe in Christ. This same message also applies to us—Christians in this century who believe in Jesus.
When you ask God for anything—whether for wisdom, family, a job, or healing—remember to wait on Him with complete trust. If you don’t see a change in your life or in your circumstances, it may be because you are not fully waiting on Him with faith.
As a Christian who believes and prays to Christ, you must trust in His timing and His way of giving. That is what makes you a true Christian and gives you the right attitude before Christ.
Amen!
