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Ask, Seek, Knock
A Promise for All
Riki Morohashi
July 07, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes
Ask, Seek, Knock: A Promise for All
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Understanding the Message
This is one of the most famous and important sayings of Jesus' teachings. It is also one of the most comforting and encouraging words. However, many of us misunderstand this verse, and some people may use it in the wrong context. The promise of “ask, seek, knock” is not a blank check for personal desires but an invitation to trust in God's provision.
Who Can Ask?
“For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
This promise is for everyone, not just the faithful or powerful. It is given and found when someone seeks it. It’s a reassurance that God listens to all who seek Him. Jesus emphasizes that anyone can reach out to God, reflecting His inclusive love and grace.
Trust in God’s Goodness
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
Jesus uses the analogy of a parent's love to illustrate God’s goodness. Just as a loving parent provides for their child, God, our Heavenly Father, gives us what we truly need. This teaching invites us to trust in God's perfect timing and wisdom.
Picture this; your child asks you if they can have a snack right before dinner. Even though you want your child to be happy, you won’t give it to them. Because you know that they won’t be able to eat their dinner. God is just like this, even though we want something, God does not always give it to us because he knows that it’s not the right timing.
What Should We Seek?
The key to understanding this passage lies in what we seek. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus says, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” The focus is on seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness first, not personal gain. When we align our desires with God's will, He provides for our needs. This isn’t about material wealth or personal success but about spiritual growth and fulfillment. Seeking God’s kingdom means prioritizing His will and living according to His principles.
The first thing to seek for is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives us faith, hope, love, and intimate connection with God. The Holy Spirit gives us both judgment and wisdom as to what is right. The Holy Spirit also gives us peace with one another and gives us strength and courage to live. The Holy Spirit will also guide us towards the future.
Praying Continuously
Jesus encourages us to persist in prayer. The original Greek implies continuous action: keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking. This persistence in prayer demonstrates our trust in God's timing and wisdom. It’s not about pestering God until He gives in, but about developing a relationship of trust and dependence on Him. Persistent prayer aligns our hearts with God’s heart, helping us understand His will more clearly.
Pray with Faith
In one village, there had been no rain for a long time, affecting the crops, so they decided to pray for rain. At that time, while all the villagers had gathered empty-handed, only one girl came with an umbrella in her hand. The girl was the only one with an umbrella. She was believing that rain would fall because she was praying for rain.
Praying is impossible without believing. We pray with hope in it. “Ask and it will be given to you”, you are pointing toward people who pray. It is the people who believe and pray with the confidence that God hears us and will surely do what is best.
God’s Desire to Give
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Jesus promises that God wants to give us what is good and best for us. By praying and seeking with faith, we align ourselves with His will. Trust in God’s love and keep praying with confidence. This assurance should encourage us to approach God boldly, knowing that He delights in giving good gifts to His children. Our Heavenly Father is not distant or indifferent; He is actively involved in our lives and deeply cares about our needs and desires.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your promise that if we ask, seek, and knock, You will answer us. Help us to trust in Your love and wisdom. Guide us as we seek Your kingdom and righteousness in our lives. May Your Holy Spirit fill us with faith, hope, and love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen 🙏
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