Ask, Seek, Knock

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Matthew 7:7-8

As the Holy Spirit works within us, we discover insight and direction as Jesus promised.  Oh, to be sure, we may think of all kinds of things we think we need.  However, Jesus did not promise such.  As we draw closer to the Lord and sense a burning desire deep within, we realize the Spirit is directing us toward that which will bring spiritual benefits, not only for ourselves, but for others as well.  Remember, it's not all about us.

As we read the verses again, we realize the words "ask", "seek", "knock" are all action words.  We simply can not sit thoughtlessly idle and expect anything to change.  Circumstances can change around us without our involvement, but change of heart requires action on our part.  We can't change other people.  No one can make us angry.  No one can make us happy.  We can't make someone love us.  We can ask God to take our weakness and give us strength.  We can change our thoughts from anger to peace and we can love God, others and ourselves.  We can ask for forgiveness and we can forgive a wrong.  We can ask God for guidance and then follows obedience.  What do we gain by asking for guidance and then not obey God's will?  Trust me, we reap the benefits of obedience when we trust God enough to step out of the comfort zone with an open heart pounding in the chest, not knowing exactly what will happen next, but, without doubt, it will be better than we can imagine.

Lord, lead us, guide us and direct us in all we say and do today so that our words and our actions are pleasing unto you.  Amen.