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Psalm 143:8

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Psalm 143:8

Friday, September 9, 2011

God's Silence - Part 3

Today I am pondering the things I pray for and the way I pray.  Might it be that God seems silent because of those things?

God tells us in His Word to ask.. "So I say to you:  Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knowck and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Luke 11: 9-10  Am I asking Him for things I need?  Perhaps I am not.  Perhaps He is not answering my needs because I am not asking for what I need - or for the right things to fulfill those needs.  Have you ever thought about that?  If you don't ask, why should He answer?  If you ask for the wrong things, maybe He is telling you no.  Maybe He is waiting for you to ask, and to ask for the things that properly align with His will for your life.  Big things to think about.  Sometimes I am afraid to ask for things for myself.  Why?  I don't know really.  But there it is.

And something else to think about....when I ask, what is my motivation?  How am I asking?  Why am I asking? Am I asking for something out of a selfish desire or want? (And remember, want and need are different things!)  Is it because I think I know better than God what might be good for me?   Or am I asking for something that aligns with His will and His plan?  Do I ask in Jesus' name?  John 16:23-24 "I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.  Until now you have not asked for anything in my name.  Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."   In His name.  Perhaps there is a silence because I am not asking with the right heart or the right motivation.  Perhaps, my plan doesn't mesh up with God's plan.

Perhaps it's time to take a look at what I am asking for through the filter of Jesus' eyes and see if it fits as a godly request.  I bet there are a few things that I need to leave to His will....and not mine.  I bet that some of the silence is of my own making because of my own desires.  So today, I will consider the things I need, the things for which I will ask...and I will ask for those things that I can honestly ask for in Jesus' holy name.

Look around you today...where do you see answers from God in your life?  They may be unspoken, or found in a circumstance, or through the words of a friend, a gentle touch on the shoulder to let you know you are NOT alone....He is NOT ignoring you....He is there....always.

Be blessed.

3 comments:

  1. sometimes God's plan isn't as clear because he wants us to grow from it somehow, but it still makes it feel like he's playing with us. even abandoning us. sure that's not the case, but his approach is left for over analysis. for doubt. doubt me he says? maybe I will? maybe I will doubt you? or just make it clear so we can stop wondering. how about that?

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  2. Yes, growth is definitely a goal, I believe. Is it easy to trust God? Not always, no. But when we give that doubt to Him, when we sacrifice our human wants and desires to His, when we look for the bigger picture instead of what is in line with our blinders...then we grow. Then we learn. Then we come to a fuller understanding of what it means to trust Him. One thing I am learning is that it is not for US to have all the answers...but it is for us to be patient, to watch, and wait; to listen and to discern what He is telling us without our human fears, doubts, angers, etc, getting in the way. To be a living sacrifice is to give it all to Him...to place our deepest desires on the altar and to trust that He has the best in mind for us.

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  3. These are well written, well thought out words of advice. God is very proud of you. As for patience, I'm nit one known for it. I guess that's one of my drawbacks? My weaknesses? Lack of patience and a need to hold things over a person's head when I feel they've wronged me. Those are lack of good qualities I work through with God. Probably the difference between my level of faith and yours?

    Well said Kelly

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Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me!