If you have children, or are around them a great deal, you have undoubtedly noted how they have the tendency to ask for things … a LOT. They are in the grocery store with you and they ask for that sugar-rich cereal, pizza, candy or a host of other things within easy reach and temptation. Visit a department store and they just HAVE TO own a new pair of jeans, shoes or some other fashion item. Then there is the technology: smartphones, Wii or Xbox, computer games, and computers, tablets and more. There is always something that they absolutely “need.” Often they have more than enough of these “needs” already at home.
The truth is: Children want a lot of things that they don’t really need. Sometimes (often?) kids do not understand when you say “no” or “not now.” You may say “you have enough” and then you hear “but everyone else has it” or “you’re not fair.”
As the kids grow older and become teens and young adults, they may be even more demanding about their “needs,” coming to you to ask for “more.” They may not be satisfied with what they have, and want the next new thing. Often they do not acknowledge how blessed they are to have a home, food, clothes and the things they truly need.
So here is the big question: Do you behave the same way with your Father, God? Do you go to Him asking for things, for your way, for “more” of what you “need” and forget to praise Him for all you already have? Do you count your blessings? Do you celebrate a loving heavenly Father who has provided for you? Are you clear on what you truly need, and not what you merely want, because this world tells us it is what we should want and expect?
Check your heart and check your prayers. What are you praying for? Are you like Solomon and could ask for anything, including all the riches in the world, and you ask for wisdom:
2 Chronicles 1:8–12 (KJV 1900)
8 And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.
9 Now, O Lord God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.
10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?
11 And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:
12 Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.
It is important to praise the Lord for all that He IS, does and will do. He has given us the greatest gift Jesus as our Salvation. We need to life our voices and hearts up to Him in praise every day.
Psalm 109:30 (KJV 1900)
30 I will greatly praise the Lord with my mouth;
Yea, I will praise him among the multitude.
Psalm 111:1 (KJV 1900)
1 Praise ye the Lord.
I will praise the Lord with my whole heart,
In the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
Psalm 118:1 (KJV 1900)
1 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good:
Because his mercy endureth for ever.
Psalm 118:19 (KJV 1900)
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness:
I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord:
Psalm 118:21 (KJV 1900)
21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me,
And art become my salvation.
Psalm 118:28 (KJV 1900)
28 Thou art my God, and I will praise thee:
Thou art my God, I will exalt thee.
Psalm 119:7 (KJV 1900)
7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart,
When I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
Feel the gratitude to God. Praise him each day through your prayers, your words, your actions and your heart.
Author: Lea A. Strickland, MBA CMA CFM CBM GMC
Copyright ©2012 Lea A. Strickland
All Rights Reserved
