22nd August 2022

 Just ask

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

Children are great at asking questions aren’t they? They usually begin with the word ‘why’ in questions such as: Why is the sky blue? Why do I have to go to school? Why do I have to eat my greens? Why do I have to go to bed at this time?

Children have little self-consciousness about asking questions like asking for more, or asking for what they want. As we get older our propensity to ask questions can diminish; some men who get lost simply won’t ask for directions. Perhaps it’s because we fear that we will look stupid or unintelligent so we don’t ask for help or information. Perhaps it’s because we will make ourselves vulnerable to other people that the questions dry up.

What I like about the header verse, Hebrews 4:16, is that the word ‘confidence’ implies ‘freedom of speech’. This means that we can approach God’s throne and have permission to say anything to God. Whatever is on our heart or mind, whatever questions we may have, we can say them to God. Nothing is too big for God to handle and nothing is too small for him to listen to. We can come with absolute confidence that we will be heard, that we will not be viewed as stupid or unintelligent, and that we will receive grace and help in our time of need. Why? The writer tells us it is because in Jesus we have a great high priest at the throne of God who empathises with us in our vulnerability (Hebrews 4:14-15).

So don’t be afraid to ask questions of God. We must never grow out of asking him questions. He longs for us to bring our concerns, desires and yes, our many questions to him. This is all part of developing a close and an intimate relationship with the God who loves us so much.

So let me ask you a question – will you talk to God about anything and ask him whatever you want? He is waiting to hear from you.

Prayer
Father, help me to be a person who asks you to be involved in all that I say, do, and think, and help me to listen attentively to your wisdom and abundant provision. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Study by Barry Robinson

 

About the writer:
Barry Robinson is a Minister in Grace Communion International and is Regional Pastor for Southern England. 

Local congregation:
Grace Communion International
Central London
Indian YMCA
Mahatma Gandhi Hall
41 Fitzroy Square
London
W1T 6AQ

Meeting time:
Saturday 2:00 pm

Local congregational contact:
Barry Robinson
Email: london@gracecom.church

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church