“Mom, why does everyone else have pretty daffodils in their yards but we don't?”
It was like being smacked with a rolled up newspaper.
Being the full-of-wisdom mother that I am (not), I gave him a deep answer. “Because you have to plant them and we haven't planted any.”
The silence in my soul echoed with that truth.
So many times I've asked the same thing. “Lord, why don't I have ____ in my life?”
And God's response is like mine to my son. “Because you have to plant it and nurture it to have it.”
Matthew 7:7 says “Ask, and it will be given to you, seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” How many things are missing from my life because I haven't asked God for them? I'm not talking about a whole-foods chef to cater for my husband, or a personal assistant to keep track of the million details of being a mom, among the other things I do. I'm talking about 'spiritual' things. Things that I see in the lives of my sisters and think, 'Wow, I wish I were joyful (or whatever) like she is.'
So instead of whining about what seems to be missing from my life, Matthew says I'm to ask for it. Boy, that's a tough one. I've had a little girl in one of my classes who whined her questions. “So-n-so got a piece of candy. Can I have one?” She's cute as a button, but when she whined like that... um... it just didn't work for me. You know what I mean? How do you think it sounds to God when we whine our requests?
It's so much better when we just ask.
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5
Do you want to want to be an encourager? How about more hospitable? Or do you want to do better with the class you help with?
Ask God.
“If your seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the LORD, and discover the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:4-5 NAS
So we ask.
And we seek.
It's so simple. But sometimes the simplest things are the ones overlooked, forgotten or ignored because of their simplicity.
Matthew 7 goes on to say “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” God wants good for our lives. Like a parent gives good gifts to their child, God, who is infinitely good and knows what is best for us. “...how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:8,11 NAS)
So what are we waiting for?
Let's plant some daffodils in our lives!
Let's ask God for those things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and excellent. And let's seek and nurture those things in our lives.
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Such a fabulous, fabulous lesson! Asking. Nurturing.
ReplyDeleteGreat analogy! And I think, too, when we ask, we're ushered into God's presence and He molds our hearts and redirects any thoughts that might not be aligned with His will, turning whining into praising. :)
ReplyDeleteThis was just what what I needed to read...just when I needed to read it! I have to remember that I just can't sit back and wait for the flowers (the good) in my life to grow on their own. I have to plant (do the work) necessary for them to grow. I ask for miracles, but then I don't do the work that is necessary to receive them! Patty, thank you for this reminder of how it all works through Him...through us!
ReplyDeleteJust the words I needed for today. I'm off to do some planting. Thanks, Peej:).
ReplyDelete