ASK THE LORD FOR WHAT YOU NEED.
By William Covert
ONLY He that created can be the rightful owner; the One who created all things must therefore be the possessor of all things. But much of what the Creator has put in this world was placed here for the benefit of man. Notwithstanding the fact that the accessible bounties of nature were intended for man, yet it is for his best good that man should ask for what he needs before appropriating these benefits for himself. Are not valuable things worth asking for? What person with any degree of politeness would feel free to go to his generous neighbor's premises and help himself without first asking for privileges? Will he not also thank him for the favors which are granted? But suppose that the one to be benefited did not know just where the thing he needed was to be found, and that he would not know the thing that he wanted if he should see it, would it not be quite essential for his success to make his requests known to him who was proprietor of all? Everyone can see that it would be far better for the needy one to communicate freely with his benefactor. If it is to man's advantage in case of need to become acquainted and commune with the liberal among men, how much more is it for his best good to let his requests be made known to God before presuming to help himself to his bounties. How can man know what to ask for until he learns what the Lord has in store for him? But he cannot know, without an acquaintance with the Lord, what wonderful treasures are to be freely given to those who will freely and thankfully receive them.23The Lord wants to give his blessing away. He desires to give the very best things that he has in his treasures. It is his joy to point out that which is the very best for the suppliant, and then to urge him to take it free of cost. None are turned away empty. He says, "Him that cometh to me I will in nowise cast out." If he requires importunity, it is only because he has a rich blessing to bestow, which he desires shall do the most possible good to the receiver. It makes no difference how many are the wants nor what the perplexities, he wants to alleviate them all. It is often best for the petitioner to earnestly plead for what he needs, that he may become acquainted with its value. The Lord wants man to believe that he wants to bestow his blessings upon him. If man's request is in harmony with his own best good, and there is no doubt at all in his heart about his receiving an answer, he shall have whatsoever he prays for. Mark 11: 23. In fact, that which is of the greatest consequence to man of all the gifts which God has to bestow upon him, can be received only through the avenue of faith. "Therefore I say unto you, That what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." The sweetest and the most important gift to man is the forgiveness of sins. Not only so, but it is the gift which the Lord is most anxious to find an opportunity to bestow. That man may be encouraged to ask for this through confession, the Lord has caused it to be written: "I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and my iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin." Ps. 32: 5. And again, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1: 9. Such positive assurance concerning things so great in value to man should fill his heart to overflowing, and cause his life to be enriched with deeds of love to others. "If God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. . . . If we love one another, God dwelleth in us." This love will be manifesting itself in love, because it is always active when it comes from the Lord. It is unselfish, and is ready to freely give when it has so freely received. God bestows his bounties most fully upon those who become most liberal in distributing to others. Do not be afraid to ask of the Lord, thinking that there is danger of exhausting his resources, for giving does not impoverish him, nor withholding enrich him. Therefore, ask for all you need; for the admonition is to pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks.