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James 4:2b - You do not have because you do not ask.

 

Prayer is having a conversation with our Heavenly Father. Talking to Him is giving Him our time and attention. It's acknowledging Him as our Father, our Creator, our Provider, our Protector, and the Lover of our souls.

One way Father speaks to us is through His written word, the Bible, and He doesn't beat around the bush when it comes to the subject of asking. Nope! He clearly tells us to ask, and when we ask we will receive (Matthew 7:7). And then in today's verse, He tells us we don't have because we don't ask. 

So why don't we ask? 

I spent all week pondering that question. Short answer? Lack of confidence. Yep! I'm pretty sure that's why I don't ask as often as I should. And I especially have trouble asking for myself. Anyone else?

My lack of confidence breaks down into three categories. 

A lack of confidence in His desire to give me what I want. Which is totally silly! I know He delights in giving good things to His children, and He would never withhold anything good from me. End of story! 

A lack of confidence in who He is. Again, totally ridiculous. I know He's good and faithful and loves me. And if I'm ever doubting that truth? I can look back over my lifetime and see His goodness, His faithfulness, and His loving care in the middle of even the hardest times of my life. 

A lack of confidence in who I am. Craziness, I know, but true all the same. When I forget who I am in Christ, I doubt the relationship. I doubt Father. I doubt myself. I am double-minded about everything. 

Truth? My lack of confidence keeps everything all bottled up inside of me, where it swirls around and around and around in my head. Yes, He knows my thoughts (and yours), but His word is very clear. We are to ask Him. 

I hope you don't have a confidence problem, but if you do, talk to Father about it. He'll increase your confidence in His goodness, His desire to give you good things, and in your relationship with Him. In Him, we can be confident!

Not sure about that? Ask Him!

Grace and Peace to you!

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