Matthew 7:7 | Seeing God’s Ways
In Matthew 7:7 ESV, Jesus says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
Have you ever complained about an issue you never actually tried to resolve? Our interpersonal conflicts build up when we let hidden offenses go unaddressed. Usually, a simple conversation can resolve an unspoken dispute. You might say we need to ask the other person what is going on, hear their story, share our experiences, and find a solution. In other words, ask, seek, and knock.
I don’t think this verse is talking about conflict resolution. Still, I see similarities in how we might harbor bitterness, worry, or doubt toward God. Our fears for tomorrow build up when our hidden concerns go unaddressed.
Jesus invites us to ask, seek, and knock, promising we will receive. In one sense, I believe God is showing us the supernatural power available when we come to him with our requests. In a much more simplistic sense, Jesus shows us that we tend to go along without asking, seeking, or knocking. My personal interpretation is that Jesus is saying, “Do you have something you need? Just ask! Do you have something you desire? Start looking! Do you what to get somewhere? Start knocking!”
This isn’t to say that a simple prayer request magically resolves the issue. God’s solutions are rarely as narrow and practical as ours. God is a master designer and architect. His solutions are more than handouts or vending machines and more like elaborate stories written from the ripple effects of seemingly mundane moments.
Could it be that in Matthew 7:7, God is teaching us how to abide? In asking, seeking, and knocking, we learn to depend on God. We have to wait on him to respond and not lose faith in his ability to provide. When we ask, we start looking for his solutions rather than ours. When we seek, we allow God to lead us to what we desire. When we knock, we learn the cause and effect of the kingdom.
Instead of harboring doubt because we are waiting on God to “prove himself” faithful, we should be pressing the throne room with prayer. By obediently asking, seeking, and knocking, we become students of the kingdom of God. Whatever you are facing in your journey, I wonder if you have been asking, seeking, and knocking. The point is not to check off a list that you asked God to help and then sit back and wait with your arms crossed. The invitation is to continually seek God—watching for his answers and learning to discern his ways.
Abiding happens daily in his presence. Abiding Daily is a simple and practical reminder to stay connected to the vine. Each prompt is inspired from the scriptures and designed to point you toward prayer and encounter. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To get the Daily Invitation sent to you every day click this link or text “Daily” to +1 (779) 237-3914.
