When you ask, you don’t get it because…

James 4:3 NLT

Do you like to share your dessert?

 It can be a nice way to have a tasty treat by sharing a small amount.

 But what happens when the group partaking becomes selfish… and the spoon almost seems a weapon?

 Literal… food fight.

 The motives in the heart matter.

 The motives in my heart matter with my prayer too.

 God’s Word helps me understand…

And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong – you want only what will give you pleasure. (James 4:3 NLT).

 I have learned lately… I can be selfish in my prayer requests.

 Ugh! I don’t like admitting this!

 The motives in my heart are often about me.

 My focus is my will… not God’s Will.

 In my prayer, I often give God the list of what I want… Can you relate?

 I need to remember… I am here to bring God glory, not the other way around.

 I am to seek His Will, not mine.

 This may explain why some of my prayer is unanswered… my motives are all wrong.

 God may have other plans… And I need to ask Him.

 Jesus is clear… Seek God first and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

 Righteousness… this is God’s Will, God’s Way.

 Then, all will be provided.                                                              

Father, in the quiet of my heart, You speak to me reminding me to seek Your Will, not my own will. My unanswered prayers can be Your kind reminders to re-evaluate the motives of my own heart. Help me seek Your Will in all things. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Stacy A. Davis