Asking a Good Father
Written for Bible Journey Plan. Our editorial standards.
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Matthew 7:7-8 KJV
Jesus invites His people to come to the Father with their needs. We should not imagine that God is too distracted to hear or that we must first make ourselves impressive enough to approach Him. His goodness gives us reason for confidence.
Read the following verses as well as these familiar words. Jesus compares the Father's care with a parent's desire to give what is good. A good parent does not agree to every request, because some things a child wants would not help. God's wisdom is greater and never mistaken.
You can bring a concern to Him honestly while accepting that the answer may differ from the outcome you picture. Continue doing the responsible things Scripture makes clear. Ask for help from trustworthy people when that is needed, and refuse to treat waiting as proof that the Lord does not care.
Confidence in God rests in His character rather than in our ability to predict His response. He is worthy of trust when we ask, while we wait, and when His answer teaches us that His view is wider than our own.
Keep the passage in context
Jesus encourages His disciples to ask, seek, and knock, then points to the Father's goodness. The passage is not a promise that every request will be answered exactly as we prefer.
Read further: Matthew 7 in the King James Bible.