Just Ask the Lord

Scripture: They [conflicts] come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it. You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way. James 4:2-3

Observation: James addresses earthly quarrels and conflicts with a simple cause-and-effect explanation. Human conflicts are caused by desires for earthly wealth and comforts. From those desires, we initiate all kinds of efforts to obtain our desires. However, if we just asked the Lord for these things, there would be no conflict, because one of two things would happen:

1) We would just receive what we asked for.

2) We would realize that what we want is wrong, contrary to the Lord's teachings and his will, and in our shameful recognition of how our hearts contradict God's teachings we would no longer desire it.

Of course, this applies only to the faith-filled believers. There is a third option that pertains to non-believers ... with neither belief in the Lord's provision, nor agreement on the Lord's word and teaching, they would initiate conflict without intervention.

Application: Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could 'mark' the faithful in this manner ... they are the ones who have all they need in life without ever being in conflict with anyone, because the Lord simply provides.

I know this as definitive fact in my life: Everything I have struggled and fought for in my life - everything I have pursued through a competitive structure - has been useless, and if obtained has lasted only a very brief time; Everything I have simply prayed for has been wonderful when received, and brought immense joy into my earthly life.

Many days, I think about how exhausted I am at the struggle to pursue 'stuff' in my life. It is a blessing again today to be reminded that ... I need to stop pursuing anything and everything. I can just ask the Lord, and he provides. And if I adopt that model, then I'll also understand what to ask for, as items outside of the Lord's will become obvious by his word, and my heart will release the desire for such things.

Prayer: Abba, my daddy in heaven, you have and do provide for me, and I am so very grateful. Please forgive me when my actions and thoughts do not reflect that gratitude, and when I fail to obey your instructions and precepts. I wish I would honor you more and more, for you have given me nothing but great things and a wonderful life. You truly loved me first and best. May I stop worrying about what I need to do in life, and care far more about simply leaning into my relationship with you. Amen.