To Confidently Ask

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. – (1 John 5:14, NIV)

We can come to God with no doubts. This means that when we ask God for things (and those things agree with what God wants for us), God cares about what we say. – (1 John 5:14, ERV)

We live in the bold confidence that God hears our voices when we ask for things that fit His plan. – (1 John 5:14, VOICE)

God is not a genie that grants wishes. He is the Creator of heaven and earth and all that is, and we can call on Him to be our help, hope, and strength throughout all of our days. He is our Provider and the One who loves us beyond what we can comprehend. If our requests before God are fueled by our love for Him and our love for others, we can confidently seek Him and know that He hears. However, if we are asking things out of revenge or selfish ambition, we can be thankful that God does not listen. God cannot be manipulated nor coerced into doing something that is not in His nature. He loves deeply, yet always wants what is best for us, even when we cannot see it. Sometimes, God’s biggest blessings come to us through seemingly unanswered prayers. He knows what the outcome would be if things went a different route than they have. The more we trust, the more we recognize that God is faithful, even when we cannot see what He is doing. Our charge is to keep seeking and trusting, and place all things in His hands. May we ever walk out our days in bold confidence, knowing that God hears us when we ask of Him, things according to His good and perfect will.

Confidently come,

before the Lord God;

for He hears our heart,

in love, He responds.

When our ask is good,

fueled by His love;

we can trust He hears,

listens from above.

For God knows what’s best,

when we cannot see;

He knows each outcome,

moves accordingly.

Sometimes the silence,

is just a not yet;

or redirection,

that His grace has set.

In everything,

for now and always;

seek the Lord in trust,

to walk in His ways.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and that You hear our every prayer. Thank You that You move according to what is good and what is best for us. Forgive us for our lack of faith when we cannot see how You are moving. Lead us to listen and learn as we navigate each day, for You are faithful and worthy of our trust. Show us how to love and pray for those around us in ways that align with Your will. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You for Your goodness and grace in both the answered and unanswered prayers we have prayed. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

I call on You, my God, for You will answer me; turn Your ear to me and hear my prayer. – Psalm 17:6