Why Ask?

Why Ask?

You ask [God for something] and do not receive it, because you ask with wrong motives [out of selfishness or with an unrighteous agenda], so that [when you get what you want] you may spend it on your [hedonistic] desires. JAMES 4:3 AMP

A fundamental part of our relationship with God is prayer. That is the proof that we know God and desire His will in our lives. We are saying to God that we acknowledge His power, wisdom and insight and we need Him to make these available to us. Imagine if I then completely abandon the benefits prayer gives me or I do not do it the way God wants so I can get what God wants for me. That is the essence of today's extract.

I am required to go to God in prayer and ask Him what I want. However, one of the things that guarantee answers is MOTIVE. When you are dealing with God, this is very important. Man may be swayed by the sincerity of your request, but God is more interested in your heart. That is where the battle of intention, usage and purpose is won or lost. God already assures those who follow Him that He answers their prayers, so it would mean that any prayer not given a YES response would have to be one so out of his will that NO would be the only answer.

And one of the reasons is given here: to spend on your desires. Let it be clear here: no demand on earth can exhaust the resources of heaven. It's not as if God has to hoard some things so that everyone can get a fair share; He is able to meet the needs of all people at all times. However, His love will not approve of a desire that will only promote self and not Him. Why do I ask what I ask for: is it because someone else already has it, and I feel I am better than that person? Is it just about a feel-good factor, not something God can be glorified by?

Before you make that approach, ask these questions: Why do I need this? Who will it benefit? Is this the right time for this? Your relationship with God should be the gauge for determining the right responses, not what the world thinks or expects of you. His time of favour is here.