Asking God

 

Jesus taught about prayer in the Sermon on the Mount. He said, “Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how 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 7:9-11)

Jesus gives the comparison between the heavenly Father and earthly fathers. Even though they are mere men, earthly fathers know how to give good gifts to their children. Even more so, God who is not prone to faulty judgments or miscalculations, knows even greater how to give good things to His children who ask.

Therefore, when we are faced with various needs, we should never be afraid to approach God in prayer and petition Him the earnest desires of our hearts. There are a variety of things for which we could ask. Let us consider a few.

One is the peace of God. Paul tells us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

The peace of God surpasses all understanding because there is nothing that compares to it. When we are faced with situations of doubt and fear, it gives us great comfort to know that the peace of God is just a prayer away. When we approach God with thanksgiving, it reminds us of all the difficult times that God has already brought us through. It is then that we can face whatever is ahead. We face it with confidence, assurance, and His great peace in our hearts.

Another blessing we can request to God is His strength. Paul stated, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). The apostle Paul knew both ends of the spectrum. He knew how to abound, and he knew how to suffer need. Despite his various circumstances, he always found his strength in God.

We too will find ourselves in a variety of situations. Sometime everything will seem to be falling into place. At other times, everything will seem to be falling apart. We all have days when the car won’t start, someone cuts us off in traffic, or money goes missing off the dresser.  These circumstances can be both disheartening and frustrating. What keeps us on track is the strength we receive from God when we come before Him in prayer.

The knowledge that we are not in this life alone is one of the great blessings of being a Christian. We can face an uncertain future because we serve a God who is faithful, sure, and steadfast in His love toward us. Therefore, as the issues of life arise, let us approach God in prayer and ask great things of Him.

God bless each of you,

Eric Hicks