The bold words in my Bible before verse 7 says, “Effective Prayer.”
Jesus is speaking about the loving care of God and how to pray effectively. He is not telling how to get what you want out of God.
In following verses, he talks about how even us wicked humans won’t give a stone when asked by our children for food or a snake when they ask for a fish.
The Message paraphrase says verses 7-11 this way:
“Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?”
Almighty God loves us even more than we love our children. He also knows what’s best for us better than we know what’s best for our children. He kinda has inside information, you know.
While we could give God our request one time and He would remember it and act on it, when we keep on asking, seeking, and knocking, we will receive, find, and have entrance. We will learn more about us and our Savior through the process.
I truly believe these three are more about us and how diligent we are in seeking God and making our desires known to Him. If we really care about something, we dig in and refuse to let go until everything is right. We keep going back and keep looking for answers.
God isn’t offended by that. At all. He doesn’t get tired of hearing from us. Even for the little things. Don’t hold back!
And God hears our asking, seeking, and knocking. He really hears us!
How do you hear your children or spouse or best friend? You are tuned in. Your ears are constantly in listen mode.
God is always in listen mode for His children. He never shuts down.
Believers, we can be assured that our asking, seeking, and knocking will be answered with the very best answer for us. God doesn’t fail.
Granted, sometimes we’re not tickled with His answer, but we can be absolutely certain that it is the absolute best for us.
Go ahead. Ask Him for that thing you desire most. Seek Him as you ask, hear His heart for you. Knock on His door and when the door opens, walk reverently to His throne, look into His loving face and ask again.
Coffee, Bible, Journal.
