Spirit-Anointed Wisdom for Daily Decisions

Daily R.E.A.P. Report for Isaiah 11:2–3 (ESV)
Spirit-Anointed Wisdom for Daily Decisions

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“And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear,” Isaiah 11:2–3 (ESV)

Isaiah, a prophet in the 8th century BC, spoke to Judah during political turmoil and spiritual drift. Isaiah 11 promises a coming King from “the stump of Jesse” (David’s line) who would rule with perfect justice and usher in peace. This King—Messiah—would be uniquely empowered by the Spirit of the Lord. For us, this matters because it shows God’s answer to broken leadership, confusion, and injustice: a Spirit-filled King whose wisdom is available to His people. God’s love shines here—He doesn’t leave us to navigate life alone; He sends His Spirit to guide us into truth, courage, and righteousness.

EXAMINE

God promises a leader upon whom the Spirit “rests”—bringing wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and awe-filled reverence for God. This King judges beyond appearances and listens beyond surface noise. The timeless truth: God’s way is not merely clever or strong—it is Spirit-led, discerning, just, and rooted in holy reverence. He invites us to rely on His Spirit so our decisions reflect His heart.

Connection to Jesus: Jesus fulfills this prophecy. At His baptism, the Spirit descended and remained on Him (John 1:32). He announced, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me” (Luke 4:18), ministered with wisdom and power, and judged righteously—refusing to be swayed by appearances or public pressure (John 7:24). In Christ, the sevenfold fullness of the Spirit is revealed, and through Him that same Spirit equips us to live and love like Him.

Main Themes:
- Spirit-Empowered Living: Real wisdom and strength come from the Holy Spirit, not mere intellect or willpower.
- Reverent Fear of the Lord: A joyful, awe-filled posture toward God that anchors discernment and obedience.
- Just and Discerning Judgment: God calls us to look beyond appearances and listen for truth with integrity.

Key Word Study:
- “Rest” (Hebrew: nuach): To settle down, remain, and give relief. The Spirit doesn’t just visit—He abides, bringing enduring wisdom and strength.
- “Fear of the LORD” (Hebrew: yir’ah): Reverent awe that leads to trust and obedience. It’s not terror but delight-filled honor for God’s holiness, the beginning of true wisdom.

APPLY

Reflective Questions:
- Where am I tempted to make snap judgments based on appearances or headlines instead of seeking God’s perspective?
- Which “Spirit gifts” (wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, reverent fear) do I most need today, and how will I ask for them?
- How would my decisions change this week if I delighted in the fear of the Lord—honoring God above pressure, popularity, or convenience?

Real-Life Application:
- Invite the Spirit Before Decisions: Pause before a key choice and pray, “Holy Spirit, rest on me. Give me wisdom, understanding, and reverent fear.” Write down what aligns with God’s character (truth, justice, humility).
- Slow Down Snap Judgments: When you feel pressured to decide by appearances, gather facts, ask clarifying questions, and seek counsel from a mature believer. Judge righteously, not reactively.
- Practice Reverent Delight Daily: Start each morning with a brief prayer of awe—read a short Psalm (e.g., Psalm 19 or 111) and respond with gratitude. Reverence sharpens discernment.

PRAY

Father, I praise You for Jesus, the Spirit-anointed King, full of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and holy fear. Forgive me for relying on appearances, haste, or my own wisdom. I confess the times I’ve feared people more than I’ve honored You. Holy Spirit, rest on me today. Fill me with Your wisdom and courage. Teach me to delight in the fear of the Lord so I can discern truth, act justly, and love mercy. Empower me to make decisions that reflect Jesus’ heart and bring life to others. Lead me in Your ways, for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

CLOSING REFLECTION: Picture a tender green shoot growing from an old stump—quiet, steady, Spirit-breathed. As the Spirit rests upon it, it becomes strong, fruitful, and life-giving. That’s what God is doing in you. Breathe in His presence today; let holy reverence clear your vision so you can see as He sees.

Call to Action: Before your next decision, pray Isaiah 11:2–3 out loud. Ask for one specific aspect of the Spirit’s help (wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, reverent fear), and take your next step in faith—confident that Jesus, your Spirit-filled King, is with you.