What are you asking for?

Several times over the past few months the phrase, “You have not because you ask not” has come up in my mind.  I was drawn to that phrase again when reading 2nd Samuel 11-12. These chapters highlight David’s most notable sin and deception-his affair with Bathsheeba and the murder of Bathsheeba’s husband. David was called to be king of Israel. His reign to this point was blessed. God allowed David to have many military victories. In 12:8 Nathan recounts all the Lord had done for David up to this point in time. The verse finishes with God saying to David, “If that had been too little, I would have added many more things like these!” This implies that if David wanted more, all he had to do was ask–you have not because you ask not.

James 4:2b-3a in the NIV says,” You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives.” David probably didn’t ask for more because he had so much. Maybe he didn’t even realize he wanted more. Sometimes that’s why we don’t ask God for more. However, what could we have if we dared ask for the things we dream? There are things, dreams if you will, on the inside of us that most people don’t know and probably wouldn’t believe if they did know. Something we’ve always wanted to do or somewhere we’ve always wanted to go. Maybe it’s as simple as things we’d like to pay off so we can give more. What about the little aches and pains we deal with everyday that don’t prevent us from doing things but are annoying? How about more peace or energy each day? We get to a comfortable place where things are mostly good, and we just deal with the rest. “I have a mortgage, but I can afford the payment and have a place to live.” “I have a pain in my knee, but I can walk.” All true and good. We are thankful for the things we have that make our lives mostly good-surviving. What about the next level- a step up –thriving. No debt so you can help a friend who is struggling. No aches so you can do more of what you enjoy for longer periods of time. No worry so you’re relaxed and sleep well.

The Bible says we can have what we ask for when our motives are right. Stretch yourself this week by asking for those things that can move you out of your comfort zone-from surviving to thriving. Give God a chance to surprise you with things that are yet a dream!