When my kids were little, they would ask for things all the time. “Can I have another juice box? “Hey mom, can I go play?” “Can we get ice cream?” And the list goes on. I would love to let my kids have and do all the things they wanted provided it was within reason and was within the boundaries that were in place (whether or not they realized it at the time).
Sometimes the answer was no, and usually for a good reason. I’m out of juice boxes or you have homework. We have to wait until after dinner for ice cream, or there was somewhere we had to be.
Now as adults, they don’t ask a whole lot, except for cookies, and “Whatcha cooking mom?” Imagine my delight though when they ask for prayer! I’m only too happy to oblige!
It got me thinking, how much the heavenly Father delights in our requests. He is such a good, good Father that he loves to hear our requests, and even more our prayers to him. We can truly ask him for anything, but it does not mean that we will get everything!
Much like when our parents said no, many times a “No” might be for our protection. Jesus could be directing us down a different path. That can be frustrating. It can seem that God is holding out on us. Or worse, the enemy can convince us we don’t deserve this or that, etc.
What I’ve learned is that God always has our best in mind. It’s also been my experience that the counterfeit (something that looks and sounds good) comes before the real deal or the better thing God has for us. Perhaps, what we asked for will do us more harm than good in the long run. Whatever the case though, God’s nature is goodness. He is full of love for you. He’s not a magic genie granting your every wish or command. Many make more of the gifts, than the giver.
When we get angry because our expectations are not met, it’s usually an indication that we think we know better than God what we want or need. We want to be in control or think that we can control the outcome. Things would go so much better if I knew when and how something was going to go.
I must stop myself and remember that I am in the Lord’s hands. He desires to protect me, nurture me, grow and stretch me. Jesus desires to bless me too. All these things are in connection to a relationship with Jesus. The omnipotent (all knowing), omniscient (all powerful), and omnipresent one.
I also stop and think, how can I be greater than the one who created me? He created the heavens and the stars, and all the heavenly hosts. Not one small or big thing was created without him. (See Genesis, Job, and John). Then, I realize that I don’t always know the bigger picture, but the Lord sure does!
Now when I ask for anything in prayer, I ask with the Lord in mind. What do you want Jesus; what is your will? Show me your best in this situation or circumstance. Give me clarity and direction. Lord, please give me what you know I need.
I also ask with gratitude. Thank you Lord for what you’ve already done, what you’re doing, and for what you will do.
I still ask my heavenly father, just like I’m still his little girl. And when I ask, I have confidence and trust that he delights in me, he loves me and will do the best thing.
So when we ask…
“If you then, who are evil, know how much more to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:11
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Matthew 6: 9-13
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you..”Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for.” Matthew 7:7
“Let us ask with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NIV.
