It is often said that if you don’t ask you don’t know or if you don’t ask you won’t get. That is so true whether you are asking a friend, a stranger or God.
Jesus says in John 16:23b -24 (NKJV), “… Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”
So, now let me ask you, what is it that will make you happy or cause you to rejoice in God? What would light up your world? Maybe I can ask you a different way: What is it that you deeply long for?
Have you asked God for it? Or have you failed to ask God for it? Maybe you do ask but not consistently or persistently. Or have you decided not to bother God with your request because you don’t believe God will give you?
This scripture really speaks to me and hopefully to you. Whatever you ask God – your Heavenly Father – in the name of Jesus (using His authority as the great I AM), God will do it. It is as simple as that.
Ask and you will receive that your joy would be full and complete. God – the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit – all want you be happy, all want you to be full of joy.
Sometimes we can often complicate matters with our “logical” thinking. But we should take God’s word as truth and go to Him asking with the heart attitude of a child. To ask implies that you have an expectation to receive – just like any little child. The instruction is very clear – ASK. The result is guaranteed – YOU WILL RECEIVE. The why is evident – THAT YOU WILL BE JOYFUL.
Look at it another way. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked this question to Bartemeus (Mark 9) and now He’s asking you. Bartemeus asked Jesus for the one think that would make his life better, fuller, happier – to be able to see. What about you? What’s that one thing or those few changes that you need Jesus to do?
Think about it. Then ASK and keep on asking until you receive. Then rejoice in Him.
So, what are you asking God for?