Simply ask
My 2 ½ year old daughter Noelle’s favorite new word is “because”. She uses it to justify her every desire.
My 2 ½ year old daughter Noelle’s favorite new word is “because”. She uses it to justify her every desire.
“I want a drink because…I want a drink.”
“I want to go to the park because… I want to go to the park.”
“I want a cookie because…I want a cookie.”
If only you could see her sweet face as she makes her appeal. She draws out the “because” as she thinks of the reason why she wants what she wants, then she quickly, with a bright smile on her face, tags on the conclusion she comes to which is always the same; "because I want it!" And you know what? I want to give it to her! FYI she is the most precious 2 ½ year old in the world!!!! It pains me to say “no” which, of course, is necessary much of the time. But I love to say “yes” and give her what she needs and wants. It delights my heart to see her dance around with joy when I get to give her that cookie she asked for.
It makes me wonder… why do I have so much trouble asking my Heavenly Father for the desires of my heart? Why do I feel I have to justify them first? When did disappointment begin to hinder my ability to take a “risk” and just ask him for what I want? Noelle is so uninhibited with me and fully confident that I care about what she wants. Why am I so often fearful of relating to God in this manner?
I suspect that though my head knows better, my heart holds onto the belief that…
1. I don’t deserve to receive good things from God.
2. God doesn’t really want good things for me. (at least not frivolous things like….cookies!)
3. God can’t possibly delight in me the way I delight in my girls. (I’m a more loving parent then He is.)
The Truth
1. I don’t deserve to receive anything good from God! I have done nothing to earn good things, yet it pleased Him adopt me as His beloved daughter, anyway. This is grace!
2. He wants the best things for me! “He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all - how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?”
Romans 8:32
3. I make His heart sing! “He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
“How great is the love our Father lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1John 3:1
He’s a good Daddy, He’ll says “no” when He needs to. I’m just always surprised how often He says “yes” when I simply ask.
“For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks the door will be opened….If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
Luke 11:10, 13