When the mind is filled with uncertainty or doubt, the soul is as restless and agitated as the ocean. On the other hand, one who is convinced of God’s readiness to care for his needs and who unreservedly commits his plan of life to the will of God rises above his trials and afflictions. Compare Isa. 57:20.
He that wavereth.
Or, “one who doubts.” James is not here speaking of intellectual doubts, but of spiritual instability. The doubter may be uncertain, not only as to whether or not God will answer his request, but also as to whether God will require more self-sacrifice on his part than he is willing to make. He has mental reservations, and thinks primarily of the cost to self. He does not with his whole soul desire the grace that his lips ask for.
Nothing wavering.
Or, “nothing doubting.” The man who asks “in faith” will not hesitate, as if uncertain whether God will hear and answer his request. Genuine faith trusts God, and the believer will rest in the assurance that his needs will be quickly supplied as God alone sees best. However, if a man possesses inward doubt as to whether God will hear his petition, the answer to his prayer is seriously hampered. God seeks man’s cooperation in making the answer possible, and cooperation would be lacking in some degree if there was mental uncertainty. Genuine faith rises above the test of time or circumstance, making our allegiance to God steadfast and fixed in purpose. (COL 147). This state of mental division and uncertainty is described in v. 8 as double-mindedness.
In faith.
That is, faith that God will answer the request. Prayer without trusting faith is useless. When we ask for wisdom we are to have confident faith that we will receive it (see v. 5). Not only must we go to the true source of blessing, we must go with the right attitude. We must draw near to our Father, confident in His ability and willingness to help, resting in the certainty of His promises, and pleading our need, not our worthiness. “Faith is trusting God—believing that He loves us and knows best what is for our good” (Ed 253).
Driven with the wind.
The billow has no will of its own, but is wholly subject to the force of the wind. It rises and falls as the wind tosses it this way or that. The wind here represents the circumstances that may influence the Christian to doubt.
Tossed.
Or, “blown here and there,” a graphic picture of the sea moved by the wind.