Sometimes we make a request from God, but the answer does not come. We wonder if God is listening. We wonder if he is there. We wonder why he does not answer.
Life is more about the journey than the destination. I was reading the Sermon on the Mount from the New Living Translation during my morning devotions. In this sermon Jesus says:
“Keep on asking, and you will receive. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7 NLT
This translation brings something out, that is not found in many other translations. In many other translations it is rendered:
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 ESV
The difference in translations is subtle, but important. What the New Living Translation brings out is that it is more about the relationship than the request. It is a journey more than a destination. The idea is to KEEP ON asking, KEEP ON seeking, and KEEP ON knocking.
God wants us to live in relationship with him. He wants to be known by us. He wants for us to pursue him. He wants to walk with us day by day, hour by hour, and minute by minute. He wants us to be constantly aware of he eternal and limitless presence. He desires intimacy in such a way that he is even more important than the air we breathe.
But the thing is that many of us only make room for God when we sense we have a need. We call out to him for help when the going gets tough. We pursue him when we walk through the valley. But after he helps us out and after we get back up on our feet again we go on our way without hardly a thought towards him.
It is easy to view God as our eternal heavenly vending machine. We put something in and we get something out. Then we walk away from the vending machine only to come back again when we need something.
I pray that the Lord would refine me in this. That he would instill in me a hunger and a thirst for his constant presence. That I would desire him above all else. That I would seek first and foremost his kingdom and his righteousness before and above anything else.
The good news is that even though I may not always be seeking him, he is continually pursuing me. God never gives up on me. He never abandons me. He never turns his back on me. He is always there for me to reach out to. In James 4:8 it says:
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
It is not so much about God drawing near. He is already near. It is only for us to realize that he is near.
The more we live in an awareness of his presence, the more we will know what to ask for. Maybe a big reason to keep on asking is that when we keep on asking, we realize that what we originally began asking for may not be what we end up asking for. With so many things we don’t always know what we need or want. But God knows! It is through the relationship we have with him that he reveals, he makes known, and he transforms our heart so that we know what to ask for. In the end it is more often about what God wants to do in us than what he wants to do for us. It’s not about our external circumstances, but our inner spirit.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 ESV
God’s blessings in this New Year.
Lisa Edmoundson says
Great Message!
Lisa says
Thank you!
Ron says
Enjoyed the message. I am trying my hardest to seek God, but video games and people keep getting in the way!
charlie says
Ron video games are a tool of Satan to occupy your time, So you do not grow spiritually. People are a blessing. Remember that from every interaction there is a lesson to be learned. Look for it.. I find it is easier to forgive then to hate. Live the journey, keep your sight on the horizon. Not what is in front of you. God Bless.
Rebecca says
Thank you for putting into words what I have been thinking/feeling as of late. The vending machine was an interesting analogy – spot on. I do feel as though I drift as life is going well. I appreciate your messages!
Michelle Grant says
Absolutely needed this reminder today!!
Betty says
Amen!
doots says
Praise him all times