Ask, Seek, Knock

ByJim Stephens

Scripture:  Matthew 7:7-12

7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. 12 “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:7–12 NLT)

Ask and keep on asking. Seek and keep on seeking. Knock and keep on knocking. Jesus is talking about our relationship with God our Father here. He’s talking about asking to know God better, seeking for a growing relationship with God in which we’re daily changed to be more like him, and knocking on Heaven’s Door – diligently pressing into living God’s Kingdom ways in our daily lives.

The point here isn’t really how often, how long, or how loudly you pray. It’s about how important it is to you! A few days ago, we read in Matthew 6:33, Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. This is the same point. It’s about what matters most to you, how much it matters, and how diligently you’re willing to press into it.

Think about this: Sometimes it’s hard to know if our asking, seeking, and knocking shows how much this matters to us, or if we’re merely reciting the correct formula and chanting the right phrases in an effort to manipulate God into doing something. Again and always, it’s the motive of our heart that makes the difference.

The response we receive from God when we are diligently asking, seeking, and knocking is not a reward for practicing our superstitions properly or meeting his quota of desperate pleadings. The response we receive from God is the loving response of a wise and gracious Father who delights in giving good gifts to his children. Know his heart and trust his love!

Prayer:

Father, May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be acceptable to you and bring you joy! In Jesus’ Name!