Tag: seek

But Why?

We have entered the stage of toddlerhood where the endless question “but why” flows freely from the lips of my four year old grandson. The funny thing is that more times than I’d like to admit, I find myself at a complete loss as to how to answer it.

We were playing in his room the other day, and I told my grandson not to do something, and he asked, “But why” MiMi”?” Every time I answered, he asked it again, “But why MiMi? ” And again, “But why, MiMi?” And again. No matter what I told him, he simply was not satisfied with the answer. Finally, after he asked it one more time, “But why MiMi?” I told him, “because I love you and I want the best for you.” He considered this response for a second and then said, “Okay.” And went back to playing.

Well, isn’t that a picture of my walk with God? Constantly questioning and forgetting to trust, especially when He tells me not to do something. Walking through scenarios with Him in fear until finally landing on that sweet assurance that He loves me and wants what is best for me. Shouting “why me” when faced with difficult seasons, forgetting that He is a good Father and is refining and transforming me in His very image, using everything for His glory. And unlike this MiMi, God always knows the answer to the why’s. There is such relief in that truth!

Yes, I wonder how many versions of “But why” I have put God through. I guess it really doesn’t matter because he is always patiently answering me, nuturing me, encouraging me, and loving me. He knows me completely and wants a relationship with me. Little old me. And He wants a relationship with you too.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8

So, ask your questions, seek Him in everything, and wait diligently for his response! Then, take a page from my grandson and trust when He tells you that He loves you and wants the best for you. And then get back to playing!

Choose joy!

How Can I Help…

Wouldn’t our lives be so different if we approached every situation with the simple question, how can I help? I watched the show, New Amsterdam this week and was struck by this simple question that occurred time and time again during the show. The interesting part is that each time the question was asked, it was sincere and was asked in a way that made you believe that the intention of the person inquiring to help was genuine, encouraging and willing.

You see, I think we live in a culture that glazes over the importance of eye to eye, sincere communication. We isolate ourselves from each other with busyness and a lack of real human concern and empathy. I’ve said it before; but it merits saying again here: often we spend so much time with our head and eyes down on those small cell phone screens that we miss EVERYTHING.

How can I help my daughter achieve her goals and dreams for her life? How can I help my friend who suffered a death recently? How can I help my husband feel supported and appreciated? How can I help that stranger feel noticed? How can I help that stay at home mom feel valued and encouraged? How can I help this broken world find light and truth?

Helping starts with pausing, focusing, listening, and asking. How many times in life do we set out boldly to help with a situation, never even asking how indeed we can. Jesus said in Matthew 7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” He was showing us the way to approach helping right here in His precious Word. Helping requires getting our focus off of ourselves and onto someone or something else.

So, let’s be diligent today to open our eyes and ears to those people and situations around us. Is help needed? First, we have to notice. Then, we have to ask. And then? Well, then you have to stretch out your arms and give it every last bit of your energy. Ask, seek and then open that door, meaning jump into action. It’s what Jesus would do!

Be joyful and more like Him!

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
Revelation 3:20 NIV