Unstable

“If you need wisdom, ask … God … 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.”—James 1:5–6 NLT

Many of Claude Monet’s paintings focus on serene scenes, tranquil gardens, and wispy clouds. But Monet had different thoughts when visiting the English Channel in northwest France. Monet stayed at this location frequently, finding the views so inspiring that this became the focus of more than 50 of his paintings.

One of these paintings was called The Stormy Sea in Étretat. This reflected the scene from the hotel where he stayed in that town. In the background, cliffs hover over the scene. In the foreground, two observers stand near their crippled boat, seemingly helpless in the face of the stormy sea.

But the sea dominates the painting. As the painting’s title suggests, the sea is turbulent, even violent. We can imagine how unsettling this must have seemed.

The painting is a reminder of how violent the sea can be and how helpless it can make us feel. We are reminded of the word picture painted by James: Some people are “double-minded” and unstable. They are tossed about by their circumstances, just like people shaken by the sea.

The message is clear. We need to have clear minds and hearts if we want to hear from God. We need to stop looking around and shift our focus. Focusing on Him will end the turbulence we may feel. Approach Him with confidence. Trust Him. Stand on His Word. Ask Him for wisdom.

Reflection Question: In which area do you need God’s wisdom currently?