Joshua my seventeen-month-old son is learning about the power of his words. His favourite word is now, “UP”, as he stretches his hands to be carried. The first time he said it, I was overjoyed, and I couldn’t help but carry him. Since then, it has now lost a measure of its cuteness and has become somewhat of a command when he doesn’t want to sit down. However, as his father, I am still inclined to listen to him and respond at the appropriate time.
In scripture, we are encouraged to ask from our heavenly Father (Matthew 7:7-8). In The Lord’s Prayer, we are told to ask for our daily bread (Matthew 6:11), which broadly implies that we ask for our daily needs. Among some of the last words Jesus spoke to his disciples before he was betrayed and crucified, were these words, “…Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (John16:23-24).
Our heavenly Father understands that we live in a broken world, and although we can make something of our lives, often we need supernatural help. We live in a world where we have all we need, yet not everyone has access to what they need. A world full of beauty, as well as sorrow and grief. A world where we are reminded that we need each other, but ultimately, we need God.
As children of God, we are therefore encouraged to ask for what we need, and in so doing, we will receive our needs and be filled with joy. Jesus said, “…your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6:8), meaning, He is aware of your needs and therefore He is willing to meet those needs. This is not to encourage a sense of laziness or a forgoing of one’s responsibility, but rather, it is a reminder that we are not to carry the burdens, cares and worries of this life alone. We have a Father who cares, so we are encouraged to ask and we will receive, that our joy may be full.
What are your needs today? Ask of your heavenly Father in faith as He is more than able to meet your needs.
Be encouraged
Chris Eke
