You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.
James 4:2
How many times have we heard or said these words: “All you had to do was ask”? What keeps us from asking? Fear of being denied, not wanting to impose or intrude, or thinking we are asking for too much?
The apostle James pointed out the same irony in his epistle: “You do not have because you do not ask.” In his case, his words were a rebuke to his readers because they were using carnal means for getting what they wanted or needed instead of asking God (James 4:1-2). And when they did ask, God didn’t provide because their motives in asking were worldly (James 4:3). Jesus talked about asking God in a more positive light: “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you…. For everyone who asks receives” (Luke 11:9-10). And don’t just ask once; the Greek form of “ask” is literally “keep on asking.”
If you need something today, bring your request to God—with confidence you will receive His answer (Hebrews 4:16).
Most Christians expect little from God, ask little, and therefore receive little, and are content with little.
This concept is both easy and hard for me. God knows what I need, when I need it, and how much I need of it. God knows! And yet, Scripture tells us we do not have because we do not ask. We don’t want to ask for that which is not in line with God’s purpose and plan for our lives. However, we don’t know God’s exact purposes and plans for us today save whatever we do in thought, words, and actions we do for the honor and glory of Jesus Christ. When it comes to worldly possessions (a house, car, appliances, and other stuff I think it is ok to ask God about it and then open your hearts and minds to how the Holy Spirit will speak to you about it. It is good for us to ask and wait and listen and see God’s hand in it. We should ask with a heart that leaves room for God’s plans and purposes for our lives. “God, I am thinking and would like to have or need ????. I do not want to ask this outside of your will. Give me eyes to see and a heart of understanding in this matter and I will be content with what You do and how You do it.”
When it comes to matters of financial, relational, and physical health, of course, these are matters and concerns we should bring before our Lord God. We are concerned about our needs or the needs of others and it is very good for us to seek our All-Powerful God. In this seeking and asking we are communicating with our heavenly Father. It keeps us ever mindful of His presence, it honors Him, it builds our faith, and it gives us peace to have it in the hands of God.
When the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, on the third day in the wilderness, they grumbled about the need for water and food. They saw all that God had done to get them to this beginning of their exodus and yet they said it would be better to return to Egypt than die out here. They did not ask God for water and food. They grumbled. How much better would it have been to ask? “Dear God, You are awesome in power and might. You are the Creator of all there is. We seek Your help and supply of water and food and thank you in advance for what you will do and wait to see your mighty hand at work.”
I think the problem with asking for things from God has to do with when we prosper or lack much. Do we go shopping and ask God to lead us on our thoughts and show us how to spend wisely? Do we ask to see the specials? Do we ask to limit our purchases to essentials and not be tempted to buy what we don’t need? Do we ask to be led to purchase something to be given away to someone in need?
We do well to desire to be in communion with God at all times and for all reasons. Choosing to be in the presence of God at all times will affect our lives in ways that honor and glorify Jesus Christ. Choosing to go about your days and weeks with little to no desire for the presence of God will also affect our lives and leave us void of purpose and satisfaction.
