Just Ask
Creating has always been something magical for me, what lights me up inside. As a little girl, my most vivid memories are of the spaces and projects- building forts in the woods, transforming my closet into a kitchen, rearranging my room countless times, the poster contest for our spring carnival, or the poetry book I wrote in sixth grade.
I almost feel silly as a grown woman seeking opportunities to create, but it still brings so much joy. Pottery class, writing posts here, planning flower beds at our new house, creating a listing for our cute cottage; it’s all magic.
The beauty of the creation around me is overwhelming in the best way. I’m one of those people who can sit on a rock by a creek or on the shore by the ocean for hours just soaking it all in- the sounds, the colors, the way the breeze feels on my face. Creation is magical.
When I read in Psalm 139 that God “knit me together in my mother’s womb,” I feel so loved. I was purposefully, and carefully created by God.
Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:10, “We are God's masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
If I believe that I was designed on purpose by God, loved completely by him who considers me his masterpiece, then why do I run to anything or anyone else for answers or help. Worries and problems arise, and off I go to google, text and call while the resident Marianna expert, is only a prayer away.
Seeking godly wisdom from trusted sources is not a bad thing, but is there anyone who knows me better or loves me more deeply than God does? Did anyone else prepare good works for me before the creation of the earth? In other words, is there someone else who knows my purpose?
Currently, in our world, so much information is at our fingertips. Siri, Alexa, Youtube, ChatGPT can help us make dinner, diagnose our dying house plants, and formulate an email with just the right tone for our boss. But when it comes to the real questions and soul issues, no one can help us better than Jesus.
Sounds obvious, but I find myself searching articles and blogs for advice intead of stopping and taking my need immediately to Him. Maybe it’s because when I pray, I don’t always get an immediate answer. Sometimes, prayer requires me to get still and quiet and that kind of listening goes against my hurried personality.
If I believe that God loves me, wants what’s best for me, it only makes sense to go to him first. So, what does that look like?
For me, it means staying in His Word. I can remember specific times when I was reading through the Bible in a year, and the scripture reading for that day gave me answers to prayers I had been praying. God’s Word is living and active and He uses it to teach us and encourage us. It nourishes our souls and brings widsom when we need it.
Seeking help and answers from God also means pouring out my heart to him honestly. David, who was known as “a man after God’s own heart” held nothing back. If you read Psalms, you feel every emotion imagineable. You hear David’s doubt and even anger towards God. You will also hear David ask so many questions.
At times, I am surprised how quickly I hear God’s answers to my questions. Mostly, I find that He wants me to quiet my spirit and be patiently attentive to him. Through His Word, circumstances, through conversations, and through His still quiet voice he answers in time. His time, not mine.
He is not trying to tease us or hide his will from us. Praying for answers, guidance, and help means that we are choosing to draw near to Him. Scripture teaches us in James that when we do that He draws near to us. That is the most glorious mystery ever- the God of the universe drawing close to our hearts.
It’s true that there is some great advice available to us, but no one knows us better than our Creator. No one loves us more than our Savior, Jesus Christ.
God cares about every little detail of our lives. He invites us to bring it all to him because he loves us.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
