Isn't that the nice warm fuzzy verse we all love to read? It sounds like all we have to do is ask and it will be given to me. What a great idea, ask and I get what I want. Well let me burst your warm bubble (and mine!), it hasn't worked for me. I have asked for lots of things... lots and lots of things but I haven't received them. So is Jesus a liar?
The answer is no, heck no to be more specific. I came across this verse today and was in tears because finally I see where I am going wrong...
"When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you spend what you get on your pleasures. James 4:3
Ouch. That one hit me right between the eyes. I ask ALL.THE.TIME. but Jesus knows my heart and does not give me what I ask for because I am asking with a jealous, angry, bitter, ect. heart. I am not asking for something with the intention of giving God all of the glory. It normally is opposite of that for me, I am asking to better benefit me, myself and I.
For example, I have been asking God to give me and my fellow Christian co-workers a more kind, tender-hearted, positive attitude. Why? Frankly, so I enjoy coming to work in the morning, so I don't dread dealing with difficult people, so I can have a cozy office life with no problems. Why hasn't God given me what I want? Maybe because I am making it all about me probably... no definitely because I am making it all about me. What in my prayer instead was "God when I see darkness or poor attitudes in the office, give me the words to say to point them to You. Let me be a witness for You and make it about you instead of about me" I am guessing it would change things where I work and give God the glory instead of myself an easier day.
I am not sure what you are asking for, maybe a wife or husband, more money, peace in your family. or health for loved ones, a better job, a happier work environment or normalcy in a busy life? Instead of asking so it's all about you, maybe it's time to refocus our thoughts and heart to make it all about God.
Maybe if we asked with the right motives (which requires a true heart change) God would give us what we really want. After all, God wants to give us gifts and give us what we ask for...
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17
