Just Ask

Many Christians never reach all that God has planned for them because we get stuck in a pit. We get consumed by the things that are happening around us, both good and bad. We are apprehended by our circumstances, agendas, pains and trials. Schedules, deadlines, and events preoccupy our time, money, and our minds. I'm currently stuck there, and I want out!

Life on this earth is precious, but it is not the end all. It is not the goal. It is the training ground for greater and more glorious living. So often we pray for our children to be successful in their jobs or to do well on a test. We ask God to bless our event or increase our business. We seek discernment in which home to purchase. And yes, God honors our petitions for these concerns. They have value and reason to be brought before the Lord. But David had a deeper and greater understanding of what to ask the Lord for in his time of prayer. In this next passage David prayed that God would deepen his love for the scriptures. He prayed for a means to greater spiritual living. To love God's word!

"Give me an eagerness for your decrees." Psalm 119:36

I believe with all my heart that this is the kind of prayer that sets God's heart ablaze with love and delight for his child. This kind of prayer is asking to know God's heart. It is a prayer that God is honored to answer because it is focused on eternal value! It is a prayer that will not only change the one asking, but will have lasting benefit on those that are under the care and influence of the petitioner.

Take some time this morning and just let God search your heart. Ask him to dig deep within you. What do you really desire? Is it a more intimate relationship with him? Do you long to understand the Bible and memorize His word? Or perhaps you long to know how deeply you are loved by him. Perhaps you need to ask him to reveal his true character to you. If you aren't hungry for his word, ask him to increase your appetite. If you aren't on fire to share his love ask for a heart that is compassionate and open to sharing.  Whatever the desire of your heart, ask, and it will be given to you!

Ask and it shall be given to you. Seek and you will find, knock and the door will be open to you. For everyone who asks receives, the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8