The LORD shared how important it is for us to ASK of Him what we want to know or need. He revealed that our asking, however, should not be casual but purposeful with passion.
He spoke several times about this. He knew we would need encouragement. But He would answer us and as a result, we would be more than satisfied or happy, but filled with His joy; the kind that fills us inside and out!
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-9).
“Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24).
RELEVANCE
God wants us to discern our needs vs. desires and self-interests. There was a time my prayers were focused largely on my desires and interests. I had to learn as we all do, God looks for us to mature in our praying. He wants us to see from His perspective. He wants us to learn and discern the ways of His Kingdom and pray effectively—with power; “for the kingdom ofGod is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men” (Romans 14:17-18).
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16).
REFLECT AND RELATE
Think about how you are approaching God, what you are asking of Him, and how He is responding. Compare your priorities with His. Allow Him to make adjustments and reveal what He would have you discuss with Him. What might you be impressed to ask Him now?
REFERENCES
Matthew 6:33