Written By Ben Dankaka
Meditation – Psalm 72:1
Each time, we go to God, we often pray for things we do not have. If we don’t have a house, we ask for one. If we don’t have a car, we ask for it. If we don’t have a job, we ask for a job. What we fail to realize is that God doesn’t give us things because we lack them. He gives us things because we need them. There’s a huge difference between the two. There are times, you can live without the things you lack or don’t have. But the things you need are often those things that are very important to you. So getting those things you need, can be more important than having the things you lack.
For instance, you may pray for a car that may not be necessary at a particular time. At that time, the car may simply be a lack and not a need. Later, the same car could become a need in your life, due to circumstances. So God can prioritize our prayer requests according to our needs. The prayer of Solomon is a good example. When God said to Solomon, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” In his reply, Solomon reminded God of his needs. He told God that he was a little child who didn’t know how to carry out his duties. He then said, “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” God was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom, and not for long life or wealth. Because Solomon asked for what he urgently needed, God said, “I will do what you have asked.”
If God isn’t answering your prayers, don’t jump to conclusions, assuming it has to do with a sin or a family curse. You may be praying for the right thing at the wrong time. Perhaps, you are praying for what you shouldn’t be praying for at the moment. You might have left out what you need and have filled your prayer lists with those things that God knows are merely shortages and not needs. Maybe, God wants you to ask for something else. It could be that the only thing wrong with your prayer is bad timing.
However, if you are unsure and anxious about your prayer requests, you can always conclude your prayers with the words, “Let your will be done.” I learned this principle from Jesus when He prayed at the Mount of Olives, shortly before He was arrested. As long as you pray according to God’s will, be assured that God will certainly answer your prayer. God’s reply may not come at a time you expect. His reply may not even be what you were expecting, but be assured that God knows what’s best for you and He will surely come through, at the right time and in His own way.
Prayer: Lord, let your will be done. Amen.
REFERENCES/FURTHER STUDY: Psalm 72:1; 1King 3:9; Luke 22:42
Unless otherwise stated all scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version.