Bible Reading: James 4:1-3
In James 4, James wrote to a group of people who were fighting amongst themselves. The first three verses of this chapter read, “What causes fights and quarrels
among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”
Trying to muscle our way to get what we want will only leaves us tired and frustrated. The “things” that we are working and fighting so hard to have can never make us happy, content, fulfilled, or satisfied. Stepping on other people to get those things leaves those we’ve stepped on feeling trampled, and us looking and feeling like bullies.
All we have to do to get those things that we really need or that are truly necessary to our happiness and well being is ask to keep God and His desires first then ask God for the things we need. God has promised to take care of us. He won’t let us down. All he asks in return is that we trust him.
If we are truly living lives that are filled with trust in God the things that we ask Him for will be things that he can use to complete His plans here on earth, things that will honor God and show others God’s love and forgiveness. The things that we ask for will be the same things that He already plans to give us.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me the things I really need. Help me to be content with them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.