Read Matthew 7:7-11

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he?  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”

“In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.” (John 16:23-24)

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)

Are you picking up on a theme here?

The LORD tells us to ask. Ask that it may be given. Ask for wisdom. Ask so that your joy may be full.

Ask in confidence that we have a Good Heavenly Father who wants to give His children good things. He wants to give us peace, joy, love, patience, and kindness. He wants us to find delight in Him, ask Him for good things!

Jesus tells us we do not have because we do not ask. We can ask anything in His will, and He will give it.

I do not have because I do not ask. I grow weary in my asking, I grow dull in my faith, and so I don’t ask.

When I look to God and His character, I can renew my hope in Him. I can remember of all things our God is, He is generous. He gives. When I am in need, He gives. When I am alone and heavy-hearted, He gives. When I am living in fear or worry or doubt, He gives.

We can have because we can ask.

1. What are the things you have been asking of the LORD?

2. Not asking is a lack of faith and trust in our God who hears. In what ways do you need to believe God and ask Him for good gifts?

3. How can you remember the character of God and ask in light of that?