So, what's that you say?

William Wordsworth said, "Wisdom is oftentimes nearer when we stoop than when we soar." I would tend to agree, for whenever I have needed great wisdom I find it comes in ways I rarely expected - from places I wouldn't always think to look, or even from the lips of a child. Why is that, I wonder? It may be God isn't always impressed with the more lofty answers - he seeks to inspire with the simple ones. The simplest of answers can be the ones that open the doors wide to great discoveries!

Yes, if you want better insight and discernment, and are searching for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure, then wisdom will be given you and knowledge of God himself; you will soon learn the importance of reverence for the Lord and of trusting him. (Proverbs 2:3-5 TLB)

Sometimes it isn't that we cannot find the wisdom we need, it may just be we haven't simplified the question enough to really get at the answer. One of the things I frequently attempt to do is re-frame the question. Why? It may be in asking it in a slightly different manner, I get to the point of clarity in really asking it in a way the solution can emerge. There is no harm in asking questions - in seeking answers. There is definitely a drawback in never being willing to change up the question to make it clearer, or to get at the real point of the matter!

It was Wordsworth who also reminded us that it is the "wish to find out" that is more important than the "will to believe". It is that desire to get at the root of a matter that makes the difference between finding an answer for the 'right now' or an answer that will endure the test of time. When the individual just wants a quick answer, there may come an answer, but will it be the one that produces the outcome again with any degree of reliability? Not always! Sometimes we need the "tested answer" instead of the quick one! 

It is something we must guard against in our walk with Jesus - this desire to get the "quick answer" and not to wait upon him for the one that is more enduring. Both may very well be "correct" answers to the situation at hand, but one will produce a much better outcome! Just sayin!