I Have No Idea What to Do

By Paula Williamson guest writer

“I have no idea what to do or say about this matter.” We’ve all said it. Sometimes out loud. Sometimes quietly in our hearts. It feels honest, even humble—but if we’re being real, it’s often a big, fat lie. Not because the situation isn’t hard. Not because the confusion isn’t real. But because we forget it is written:

James 1:5

“If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him.”

That verse doesn’t come with fine print. It doesn’t say God will sigh, roll His eyes, or remind us how many times we’ve asked before. It doesn’t say we need to earn wisdom or prove we deserve it. It simply says: ask.

From Excuse to Truth

Here's the deep, dark internal motivation. When we say, “I don’t know what to do,” what we really mean is:

• I’m overwhelmed.

• I’m afraid of choosing wrong.

• I don’t trust myself.

• I’ve forgotten where wisdom actually comes from.

  
  

The truth reframes the moment entirely:

If I lack wisdom and understanding, all I must do is ask of the Lord. That’s it. Not strive. Not spiral. Not wait until I feel confident. Just ask. And when we ask, we can pray with expectation:

Prayer:

Thank You Lord for Your wisdom for today—fresh and new. You do not withhold from Your children. You word says you will give wisdom to those who ask. I am asking.

This is a lesson from  the children of Israel’s wilderness journey. They had to gather manna each day. Not yesterday’s wisdom. Not borrowed clarity. But wisdom for this moment, this decision, this day.

Devotional takeaway:

God’s wisdom isn’t stored up like leftovers—we don’t have to stretch yesterday’s answers to fit today’s problems. His wisdom is daily, intentional, and perfectly timed.

So, the next time those words rise up—“I have no idea what to do”—pause.

Replace the lie with truth. Replace panic with prayer. Replace uncertainty with trust.

Because according to what is written, you are never without access to wisdom.

You’re just one honest ask away.