This passage has always perplexed me. It’s clear in my life that I don’t always get the answer to prayer that I want. I don’t always find the answers I seek. Especially the ‘why?’ ones. And opportunities don’t just fall into place just because I tried hard and knocked on a lot of doors. Life is more complicated than that and a lot more disappointing! So what does Jesus mean? Well, I don’t know exactly, but as I contemplate that question and read the surrounding verses, I see Jesus is comparing what a human father gives his child to what God gives His children. If a child asks for bread, even an imperfect father in this fallen world won’t give them a scorpion instead. Parents love their children and will give them whatever bread they can provide. But God’s love IS perfect. God is perfect at giving perfect gifts and meeting needs perfectly. And His resources are infinite. Jesus is saying that as long as I come to God with my needs, my questions, and my pain, He will listen. And in His perfect love and wisdom, with His bottomless resources, He will ensure my needs are met fully. He will lead me to the answers I seek. And He will always welcome me in. Jesus is saying God is ready, willing, and able to handle my issues whatever they are. No problem is too big or too small. No question is too complicated. No emotion is too strong, no pain too great, no relationship too broken. God is capable and waiting for me to simply turn His way and ask, seek, knock.
Dear God,
I’m overwhelmed with relief that you are willing to listen to me and want me to come to you with my problems and questions and emotions. Thank you for this promise to be there no matter what. Remind me always to come to you first, not as a last resort.
CamDevo 