We're kicking off a new season, and like many of you, I've been thinking about the dreams and goals we carry into it. Whether it's finding love, securing finances, graduating, or hitting a fitness milestone, our individual needs are diverse. It can feel overwhelming to address every single one, but I truly believe God has given us the perfect answer: Wisdom.

Imagine with me; you're on a game show, choosing a door for your prize. Door #1 for relationships, #2 for career success, #3 for increased influence, and #4 for wisdom. The crowd is shouting, you're torn, and the other contestants pick their doors. You say, "I'll take Door #4." Suddenly, confetti drops! The host exclaims, "Congrats! You picked Door #4, but you also get Door #1, 2, and 3!” Wisdom means you win it all!

You might be thinking, "Is wisdom really the key to my best life?" Yes, it absolutely is. The problem is, wisdom often feels like a missing quality in our lives because it's misunderstood. We tend to associate it with cute sayings, fictional mentors, or simply having grey hair. We assume older people automatically make better decisions, but experience alone doesn't guarantee wise choices.

Our concept of wisdom is often underdeveloped. Scripturally, wisdom isn't just human reasoning; it's something divine—a spiritual gift— and is to be vigorously pursued. It's the "PRINCIPAL THING," meaning above all else, it has the capacity to better every area of your life.

The best example of this is the Old Testament King Solomon. History records him as the wisest person who ever lived. Even today, Solomon's name is synonymous with wisdom, but what might surprise you is that he wasn’t always wise. He wasn’t born with it. Solomon’s wisdom came from an encounter with God. First Kings 3 records that Solomon made an extraordinary sacrifice displaying his desire to honor the Lord. This gesture deeply moved God, who appeared to Solomon in a dream and asked, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” (1 Kings 3:5 NLT).

Imagine the possibilities that must have flooded Solomon’s mind: riches, the destruction of his enemies, even trivial desires. Yet, Solomon answered, "God, I don't know what I'm doing. I need help leading your people. Give me a discerning heart, give me wisdom." God was so pleased and blessed Solomon with wisdom as well as riches and fame (1 Kings 3:10-14 NLT)!

This reveals a profound truth: Godly wisdom is no small thing; it’s the key to everything. Solomon wasn’t wise; he was just wise enough to ask for wisdom! As James 1:5 NLT says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”

Wisdom is rare because it’s often absent from our prayers. If you read a transcript of most people’s prayers, you'd find more time spent trying to direct God than inquiring of Him. There’s little "Lord, what should I do?" and a lot of "Do this, Lord." Wisdom is absent from our lives because we don’t ask!

Too often, we settle for coping with our dysfunctions instead of conquering them. When you allow a part of your life to remain dysfunctional, you are vulnerable. Like a city with no walls, you are defenseless against anything that wants to take what is valuable or rule you. Many have lost relationships, positions, and opportunities due to a lack of control. When we invite God’s wisdom to lead our lives, we receive a supernatural authority to control things that have gotten out of control.

Wisdom expands your influence. It will bridge communication divides. It changes the way you use your words and when you use them (emotional intelligence helps you know when to say what you need to say). It changes the weight of your words. The Holy Spirit adds His voice to your words, wrapping them in His favor and undergirding them with His love. If you want the timing, tone, and content of your words to influence others, get wisdom.

God’s goal for wisdom is that you would walk according to His ways. Success will come, but even more importantly, you will gain a new heart that belongs to God and desires what God desires. God’s heart is that we would serve people. Your life crowned with success means you are progressing towards God’s plan for your life despite any perceived lack in spiritual maturity. The difference between where you are and where you want to be is wisdom. He will get you the resources to get you where He wants you to be and fulfill what He’s called you to be.

Give the rest of your year to getting God’s wisdom and at the end of this year you will see wisdom has given you the key you’ve been missing!