Humble Confidence
When we become children of our Heavenly Father, we’re granted the privilege of approaching the King of all kings with our requests. Mark said it this way:
"Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."
Mark 11:24 NIV
God loves to give His children what they ask for—when asked with the right heart. Think about it this way...
Is a child concerned about approaching their loving parent for a snack, for a hug, for advice, or for help? When we come to God with similar childlike confidence—in sincerity, humility, trust, and even desperation—we can be confident that He hears us. When we submit our request, we might get a ‘yes,’ a ‘no,’ or a ‘not yet,' but no matter what the answer is, we can know that God hears us as we trust Him with our prayers.
Whether you need wisdom, direction, or practical help, you can come boldly before the throne of God (Hebrews 4:16). So today, go to Him with your praises and doubts, thoughts and concerns, thankfulness and disappointments. It gives God great pleasure to provide you with all you need (Luke 12:31-32).
Responding to God at All Times
Throughout our lives, we will all experience both suffering and joy. We'll have times of great grief and times of overflowing happiness. Sometimes, they’ll be separate seasons—but other times, these experiences come together.
In either case and in any situation, James expected Christians to come to God. If someone was suffering, prayer was the call to action. If someone was cheerful, people were to pause and praise God.
This might seem obvious, but when suffering clouds our thinking, we can sometimes forget to prioritize prayer. And when things are going well and we're feeling cheerful, it’s easy to just enjoy our season and not stop long enough to praise God for it. But every season of life is actually just an opportunity to put into practice what James wrote about…
When we are suffering, let us pray. When those around us are suffering, let us pray. When we are cheerful or happy, let us praise God. When others are happy, let us praise God with ...