God’s Listening Ear is Always Open
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matt 7:7-8 NIV). This scripture was a part of our bible study Tuesday. As we went into our study, it was apparent that some felt they asked too much, others felt they asked too little, while others didn’t want to commit to an answer at all. I find that, during various times in my walk and relationship with the Lord, I’ve fallen into one camp or the other.
I’ve learned that asking questions is a form of active inquiry, which creates dynamic dialogues, discovery, learning, and growth. Asking is one of the most frequent forms communication words take in any relationship with God or other people. We use words with our children and wonder whether they’re listening or understanding our message. The same is true on our jobs, with our friends, and with everyone we come in contact with.
When talking to the Lord we ask for protection, blessings, counsel, and a host of other things. It’s important to realize God loves to hear our voice because HE is a relational God. We never need to fear God to come into His presence. When the Bible talks about fearing God, it has to do with honoring God for who He is. “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It is wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life” (Phil 4:6-7 The Message Bible).
Think for a moment how Jesus is seen asking of His Father throughout the Gospels. “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 good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matt 7:11 NIV). Revelation 5:12 (NASB) describes the seven dimensions of the Holy Spirit: power, riches, and wisdom and might and honor, glory, and blessings”
As we journey on this road called ‘LIFE’, I am sure there are times we ask God for any number of the Holy Spirit’s interventions. There is nothing that is unavailable to us by the Holy Spirit. God’s listening ear is more than able to give beyond what you can ask or think, but first you must ask.
I’ve learned that asking questions is a form of active inquiry, which creates dynamic dialogues, discovery, learning, and growth. Asking is one of the most frequent forms communication words take in any relationship with God or other people. We use words with our children and wonder whether they’re listening or understanding our message. The same is true on our jobs, with our friends, and with everyone we come in contact with.
When talking to the Lord we ask for protection, blessings, counsel, and a host of other things. It’s important to realize God loves to hear our voice because HE is a relational God. We never need to fear God to come into His presence. When the Bible talks about fearing God, it has to do with honoring God for who He is. “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It is wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life” (Phil 4:6-7 The Message Bible).
Think for a moment how Jesus is seen asking of His Father throughout the Gospels. “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 good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matt 7:11 NIV). Revelation 5:12 (NASB) describes the seven dimensions of the Holy Spirit: power, riches, and wisdom and might and honor, glory, and blessings”
As we journey on this road called ‘LIFE’, I am sure there are times we ask God for any number of the Holy Spirit’s interventions. There is nothing that is unavailable to us by the Holy Spirit. God’s listening ear is more than able to give beyond what you can ask or think, but first you must ask.