Matthew 7: 7-8

Matthew 6: 33-34

John 14: 1-4

Mark 14: 36

Matthew 6: 6

James 4:2

 

Introduction: “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6: 6 King James Version (KJV)

 

Ask, Seek and Knock!

 

In my mind, so many problems and concerns could be answered if only we Christian women would ask, seek or knock. Like so many women I like to think that I have all the answers; that I can sustain myself in almost any situation. But, the truth is I don’t have all the answers.

 

As I look back on the 70 plus years of my life, I know that if I would have only done one of the three above, so much stress, anxiety and fear would have been eliminated.

 

Jesus spoke many wise words but in my mind, some of the finest and most productive words He spoke were, “You have not because you ask not.”

 

Another wonderful passage comes from Matthew 7:7-8: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” King James Version (KJV).

 

I don’t know why it took me so long to return to this passage; for my life in the last couple of years, truly needed to hear and read this statement.

 

I am a senior citizen and I’ve carried some emotional/mental baggage for years that could have been wiped out a long time ago. The above passages from the Bible have helped me face and throw out, most of the baggage I’ve been carrying. Maybe it will help you, too.

 

I’ve always felt that with most problems that “it’s never too late” to seek help and so that is exactly what I did and continue to do when facing a problem. When troubled, I go to my trusty Bible and looked up the passage and prayed on it for several days—repeating the words over and over—day and night.

 

I’ve suffered with O.C.D.—obsessive-compulsive disorder and overeating for years and in the last couple of months, it has gotten to the point where “checking” things has gotten totally out of hand and eating too much, a bad habit that is threatening my health.  I knew back then that I had to do something…

 

Anyway, I turned to my Bible and found the answers I have been needing and words from Matthew 7, in particular have certainly shed light on solving these pesky problems of mine.

 

By reading and focusing on these words from Christ, I have found that the O.C.D. and the overeating are lessening—in other words, they are becoming less important to me because I’ve changed my focus—that of obsessing on things and overeating to obsessing on Christ and His words.

 

Sounds too simple? Maybe. But, all I can tell you is that it’s working and continues to work.…Oh, there will be times when I “fall off the wagon” so to speak, but I know that with Christ’s help, I can jump right back on that “wagon” and be with Christ; for He loves and cares for me.

 

I have come to learn from reading the Bible that “all things are possible, through Christ.”

This saying of “all things are possible, through Christ” used to be just words but then as I grew older and went through, like many, trials and tribulations and sought answers and help, I found that there were few people—men or women who wanted or knew how to help me. I tried therapy, turning to my parents and husband, a close friend but it seemed that no one could give me the help I needed.

 

It came down to an emotional crisis in my life before I finally turned to my Bible and the one and only in the world who knew me, cared about me and had the answers. And, that man, of course is Jesus Christ. The most wonderful thing about this is that he has been and is always there for me and for you. All I had to do was to sit down, open my Bible and pray to him and ask him for help.

 

I said, “Lord, I need help! I don’t know what to do and I feel like I just don’t want to go on. I have health problems, I fear most everything and getting older is really bugging me!”

 

I must have repeated those same words over and over again and then I just sat still and waited for His reply. I can’t say that it happened right away but it did happen. I felt a calmness soon after the prayer and later I felt as if everything was going to be alright. Sure enough hours, days, and months later, my life began to turn around. I felt a new beginning—that this time things would work out. True, it hasn’t been perfect or easy but I am making positive changes in my life that are making a difference not only in my life but in my husband’s and those close to me.

 

The fear is going away and in place of it faith has resided. And, it feels wonderful!

 

So, if you need a healing, a blessing or an answer to a prayer—and who doesn’t, ask, seek and knock. He will hear you and He will help you!

 

Prayer:

 

Lord help us to remember that we don’t need to constantly seek help from those around us—though sometimes it is helpful and some people do care about our lives. But, Lord, help us to know that you are always there; that you love us more than anyone on earth; that all we need to do is simply to sit down in a chair and talk with you—for it is you who have the answers to our problems; because you are Lord and you love and care about us.

 

Below are some questions that reflect on the Old Testament. Back then, they faced similar problems and learning about how they faced or dismissed such problems, can help you and me. Take a look and see what you think.

 

Reflective Questions:

 

Why is David being so honest with Abiathar? 1 Samuel 22: 20-23

 

What is the importance of these words on “seeking God?” 2 Chronicles 19:3

 

Why was it important for Ezra to devote himself to the teachings of our Lord? Ezra 7:10

 

What do you see as most important in these words from the Bible? Psalm 10:17

 

 

Words to Ponder

 

James 4: 2 writes wonderful words: “You have not because you ask not.” Think about this the next time you’re struggling and needing something. Ask yourself, “Have I asked for help—for a needed item—or for assistance with a problem. Chances are, you didn’t ask for help because you didn’t want to look stupid, in need or look weak. So when you need help, ask Jesus! You’ll be surprised at the answer you get. May take awhile, but you will get an answer, you will get help.

 

The words “ask,” “seek,” and “knock” are such simple words. Words many of us use everyday, yet how many times do we hesitate to ask our Lord for things we truly need in our life—to make our lives safer, healthier, more relaxing and peaceful?

 

When we turn to the Bible and are fervent in our prayers for Christ’s help, we are seeking, asking and knocking on His door. And, isn’t it absolutely amazing that He is always there and can help us find the solutions to our problems!

 

Why is it most of us turn to Christ as the last resort, when He should be the one we come to, first. Maybe it’s just stubbornness or maybe it’s just being stupid but no matter how you look at it, Christ should be the one we turn to first—whether it’s giving praise or seeking help.

 

So, the very next time you need help, don’t go searching all over the place for someone to help you. Go to the Main Source, Christ Jesus and you will undoubtedly find the answers you are seeking! As an online friend Paul Mobley suggests: “Take a few minutes each day to invite Christ into life. Those few minutes, you will find, will make a huge difference in your life.”

 

 

There is Endurance for Each Day

 

Look upon each and every day of your life as an opportunity to find the answers and help you need!

 

Remember, that He is always there and He cares for you! Because He is the Creator, He is waiting for you….

 

Seek the Savior not only when seeking help but when giving praise and thanksgiving…

 

Ask for Christ’s help; for He is the One true, reliable Source!

 

Knock on the door to His heart; He is waiting for the knock that will unlock the door to your heart and to your salvation.

 

Copyright Ann Star 2020