In James 4:2 I read, “You don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it.” (NLT)
One of the biggest causes of quarreling is that I expect people to fill needs in my life that only God can fulfill. This is often most obvious in marriage, but it’s true in every relationship. I find people I can trust and who know me well. So I start looking to them to keep me emotionally and spiritually fulfilled.
It’s common for people to get married and think their spouse should and will meet all their needs. After all, you complete each other, right? But that’s just unrealistic, unfair, and only setting you up for massive frustration? My spouse, best friend or co-workers are not God. None of them know me like God does. None of them can provide for me like he can. They are broken human beings, just like me!
It’s time to change my expectations so my frustration doesn’t lead to more conflict and quarreling in relationships.
So, what should I do instead of looking to someone else to fulfill every emotional, spiritual, and physical need I have? I should pray about it.
“You don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it” (James 4:2 NLT).
When I expect others to meet my needs instead of God, it leads to frustration. And frustration leads to quarreling. If I’m not praying and asking God to provide for my needs, then I’m going to spend more time quarreling. If I’m not praying about it, I’m fighting over it. I don’t have because I haven’t asked God for it!
When I have a need, go to God first. He already knows what I need, and he’s ready to give it to me. I just have to ask.
In summary, I don't have what I want because I’m not asking God for it. One of the biggest causes of quarreling is that I expect others to fill needs in my life that only God can fulfill. I look to them to keep me emotionally and spiritually fulfilled. My spouse, best friend or co-workers are not God. None of them know me like God does. None of them can provide for me like he can. They are broken, just like me! So change my expectations so my frustration doesn’t lead to more conflict and quarreling. Instead of looking to someone else to fulfill every emotional, spiritual, and physical need. I should pray about it. If I’m not praying about it, I’m likely fighting over it. I don’t have because I haven’t asked God for it! So when I have a need, I should go to God first. He already knows what I need, and he’s ready to give it to me. I just have to ask.
Thank you Father for this reminder. You are the only one who can provide for my deepest needs. I should look to you and not others to fulfill it. Praying about it will help me clarify what I want, bring my thoughts more in alignment with you and allow you to work in my life. I ask you Father for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with you. Help me to accomplish some technical tasks that are continuing to happen. I pray and put my trust in you for my future job opportunities. I ask these things through your Son Jesus’ name, amen.
0 comments:
Post a Comment