Waiting for an Answer

In the place where I live, this has been a week of warm, sunny days. It seems everyone feels better when the sun shines. Of course, in reality the sun is always there. It may be behind clouds, but it is there. This reminded me of our spiritual world. The presence of God is always there, but clouds of despondency may cause us to feel He is far away or has left us for a time. We know this isn’t correct, but how to merge our feelings with what we know to be true, can be a challenge. His own Word tells us, The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, O Lord do not abandon those who search for You (Psalm 9:9-10 NLT).

There is a key in the above verse; a key to unlock the door that leads to inner peace, calm, and quiet joy of trusting Him. The key has a name; it is search. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 7:7, Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7 NLT). The idea spoken here is continuous. We ask and seek until we receive what we need. We knock on the door until it opens to gratify our needs. Why?

Why must we continually ask and seek and knock? Why don’t we get what we want or think we need right away? Because the continuous action keeps us focused on Him, the One who loves us so much. There is a beauty is such focus that brings unexpected treasures.

I remember when I was a young teenager, I wanted to go somewhere with my friends, and I also needed some extra money than my weekly allowance covered. “Please, Dad,” I asked him, looking straight into his eyes, “Can I go, and can I have some extra money?” “I’ll think about it,” came his reply. I didn’t want him thinking about it. I wanted him to just say yes and give me what I asked. Reflecting on that memory I realize something. I stayed close to him all day. I watched him and listened to him carefully whenever he spoke about anything at all. If he stepped outside, I did, too. I watched and I waited. I remember he asked me and my sister and mother, “Would you all like to ride down to the lake? Maybe go swimming?” We all responded with great enthusiasm.

It was a wonderful afternoon swimming and playing. Dad bought us all hotdogs. When we got home, showered and spent the rest of the evening together, I had forgotten all about my earlier request. As I reflect I realize two important things: 1) I drew close to my father 2) He didn’t give me what I asked for; He gave me something even better. The key to peace and joy in our daily lives is not in getting what we want; the key is always in the seeking. When we seek Him, staying near Him, we end up receiving treasures we never dreamed about.

We may feel Our Heavenly Father is not listening. Like the sun behind the clouds, we can neither see nor sense His presence. You have told Him what you want. Stay close. Keep your ears open to hear. He will answer — always. Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within you, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think (Ephesians 3:20 NLT).