Pure Joy: 7 Devotions in the Book of JamesSample

Family for a Time

If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get His help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open. JAMES 1:5-8 THE MESSAGE

When you want something from your spouse, your parents, your friend—how do you ask for it? Do you feel comfortable enough in your relationship to ask boldly, without holding back? Maybe you ask in one breath, and then take it back in the next. Or maybe you give hints, hoping they will guess. In James 1:5–8, we are told to boldly ask God for what we need and to truly believe that He will help us.

Here is one example in God’s Word about going to Him audaciously and asking for what we need: “Then Jesus said to them, ‘Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.” And suppose the one inside answers, “Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.” I tell you . . . because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need’” (Luke 11:5–8 NIV).

So, it’s okay to ask God for something again and again? Yes. Can we even plead our case and wrestle with Him? Yes, of course. Our boldness shows the Lord that we take Him seriously. And it shows us that we are not living an anemic sort of Christian half-life, but we are smack-dab in the middle of a larger-than-life, love-infused relationship with Jesus Christ! Not a fleeting affair of the heart. No, we are family—for all time.

Oh, Jesus, I am so profoundly grateful to You that I can talk to You, sharing all my heart and soul. When I make my requests, please help me to ask boldly without doubting. Amen.