A Wise Heart

I recently celebrated my 71st birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!!
Last year on my seventieth birthday my seven-year-old grandson Evan, grinning, with a hint of mischief on his face, announced to me “Doodah (my grandkids pet name for me) you are old.” I guess age is indeed in the eye of the beholder. I am certain he would quip that I am really ancient now!
In addition to birthday greetings from family and friends, the Lord gave me a thought and a scripture.
Thought: Seventy-one and not done! Young Evan is going to observe me get older and older.
Scripture: Psalm 90:12
“Teach us to number (count) our days, that we may present to God a heart of wisdom.”
Seriously reflecting on my first seven decades of life, I am wondering and pondering on how “wise” I am. When the calendar of my days comes to an end and my earthly journey is complete, will the Lord receive from Steve a heart of wisdom?
Someone wise said “Count your days and make your days count.” Excellent advice.
The Psalmist asked God to “teach” us to “number our days” so that we may present to our Maker a wise heart. Count our days. One day at a time. Every day.  You and I need to learn to count our days because too often we error in thinking that some days do not matter. In God’s eyes, everyday matters. Every single day is a gift from the Lord that we are to rejoice in (See Psalm 118:24).
So, what is wisdom? Wisdom is looking at and doing life God’s way.
James 3:17 describes God’s wisdom. “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering and without hypocrisy.” What would life be like if you and I lived our daily lives with wisdom from above?
I desire to present to God a wise heart according to His wisdom. 
Seven Steps To Secure A Heart of Wisdom

1. Ask God for wisdom.  Need wisdom? Ask for it. “But if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach and it will be given to him” James 1:5. How simple can God make it for us? Ask Him for wisdom….and He will give it to you and me. Ask with faith….and God will be faithful to answer your request.   
2. Search scripture for wisdom. The Bible is a holy wisdom book.  Solomon, the wisest man on earth during his time, inspired by the Holy Spirit, recorded God’s gems of wisdom in the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Through his writing, he exhorts, encourages, counsels and even warns his son to seek and walk in wisdom.

“Do not forsake wisdom and she will guard you. Love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is to acquire wisdom. And with all your acquiring, get understanding. Prize wisdom, and she will exalt you. She will honor you if you embrace her.” Proverbs 4:6-8.
Outstanding words of a wise, loving father to his son.

1. Learn wisdom from life experiences. Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 4:13 “A poor, but wise lad, is better than an old foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction.” In other words, a wise heart is teachable. Life has a way of wiseing us up if we remain teachable and willing to change. How teachable are you?
2. Receive wisdom from wise people. “A wise man will hear and increase in learning; and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel.” Proverbs 1:5. Ask God to lead you to wise folks who can teach/counsel/encourage you in His wisdom as you walk by faith.
3. Walk in God’s wisdom daily. Wisdom will be rewarded. The earthly reward of a wise heart is found in Proverbs 3:1-2. “My son, do not forget my teaching. But let your heart keep My commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.” I like the promise of a long, peaceful life, don’t you?
4. Share God’s wisdom with others. It is grievously obvious we humans are experiencing a serious wisdom deficit in our culture and world. God’s wisdom is to be shared, not hoarded. If you have some gray hair like I do, people need to glean from our lifetime experiences. You and I can pass on what we have learned to help others gain a wise heart in an unwise world.
5. Thank God for His wisdom. Praise God every day for His wisdom. I rejoice that the Lord has not left us wisdom-less. Bless the name of the Lord for wisdom from above!

Where would you and I be without God’s wisdom? What would our life look like if we had an unwise heart? I don’t know about you, but at times I go stupid! I am deeply grateful that the Lord loves me enough to clear up my stupid head and heart with His wisdom. I long for and seek each day a wise heart that honors God and ministers to people in my circle of relationships.
Wisdom is the pathway for fulfilling God’s will for our lives.
My friend, I encourage you to take some quiet time before the Lord. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Will He find a “wise heart” and a sincere desire to become even wiser in the days ahead?
Make today and everyday count because you choose to walk in God’s wisdom. That’s what this “71 AND NOT DONE” Doodah is going to do!
“Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen.’ Revelation 7:12
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore, be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove.” Matthew 10:16
A Word For Your Week:  Ask the Lord for a wise heart every day.