Ask. Seek. Knock.

As we embark on a New Year with new hopes and dreams, I pray that a perspective shift can be a part of this new version of ourselves in 2024. Many of my friends spent the first week of the year making vision boards, declaring resolutions, and intention setting for the year. We have been focusing on our words for 2024 and investing in the power of positive thinking and self-talk. The gyms are bustling and the health food aisles are packed as people pay attention to their health with renewed efforts. We are willing our best selves into existence this year, we are striving to meet our goals, and we will hustle until we get there.

But maybe instead of willing, striving, and hustling we should take a step back from white-knuckling it and remember that our God invites us to ask, seek, and knock.

Matthew 7:7-11 (ESV)

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”

What would you ask of God this year? 

Maybe you are in need of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) this year. He will be faithful to give you a double portion of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, if you ask for it.

Maybe you are seeking a closer relationship with God but you struggle with daily Bible reading. I am believing in a God that will always help you delight in Him. (Jeremiah 15:16)

Maybe you are knocking on a new door of opportunity and you have no idea which direction to go. Lean into prayer as you knock on that door. God will be faithful to make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

I encourage you to not be afraid of how God will answer your request, guide your search, or open the door. Trust His plan and lean fully into His good gifts

Will you trust that Jesus meant what he said in Matthew 7 and boldly ask, seek, and knock this year?