Right To Ask!

When we are in need of help, it is "right to ask" God. He is mindful of everything going on in our life and desires for us to look to Him for guidance and to trust in His provision for life. However, as we ask, we might wonder what our "right to ask" is based on. How much do we deserve the blessings of God? Do we ever portray an attitude that seems to say, "I've been so good, God owes me a favor!"? Is that what our prayer requests are based on? Are our prayers based on a view that we have great faith, therefore God will certainly not deny our request? All of that is based on self when there is really another side to it.

Though Daniel was a man of great faith and appeared to live with an unwavering allegiance to God, consider the basis on which he laid his requests before God. After acknowledging the sins of the nation ( Daniel 9:16) we read. . .

"(18) O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For WE DO NOT PRESENT OUR PLEAS BEFORE YOU BECAUSE OF OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, BUT BECAUSE OF YOUR GREAT MERCY. (19) O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, FOR YOUR OWN SAKE, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name." ( Daniel 9:18-19 ESV)

The request was not based on either Daniel's or the people's own goodness (righteousness), but based on the reality of GOD'S GREAT MERCY! Sometimes we moan about not deserving the bad stuff in life, but are we humbly aware we don't deserve God's blessings either? Still, He blesses. God is gracious. God is loving. God is MERCIFUL. Knowing how MERCIFUL God is should give us courage to boldly approach Him with the cares of our life.

Though God looks for obedience in our life and is responsive to it, let us never forget our blessedness is really based on His gracious character. May our life remain responsive to that essence and the blessing it provides.

Have a great day COMPELLED BY GOD'S MERCIFUL LOVE TO ASK!
Carl

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