The Freedom to Ask

If we know that he hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked of him. —1 John 5:15

There’s nothing wrong with letting God know the desires that are on our hearts. But when we lay hold of His will as declared in His Word, we can pray boldly, with confidence that He not only hears but that He will grant those things we’ve asked of Him.

When I consider a purchase, I feel freedom to make my request known to God. But I don’t necessarily feel the freedom to claim that the request will be granted. What I can pray with confidence is that the Lord will direct my steps, that He will cleanse my heart from wrong motives, that He will protect me from selfish desires, that He will grant me wisdom, that He will be glorified in the outcome, and that I will have a contented and grateful heart whether or not He provides the item I’ve desired. These are all requests I know to be according to the will of God, and I can boldly ask Him to fulfill His will.

------------------

A Place of Quiet Rest: Finding Intimacy with God through a Daily Devotional Life

©2000 Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Scripture taken from The CSB