Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you just don’t know what to do? Maybe you’ve been searching for answers, clarity, or even a bit of hope. Life, as we know it, is a journey filled with endless questions and desires, and sometimes, it can feel overwhelming. There’s a comforting passage in Matthew 7:7-8 that speaks directly to these moments of uncertainty and desire. As we dive into these verses, let’s explore what Jesus means when He invites us to *ask*, *seek*, and *knock*.
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
Matthew 7:7-8
The Simplicity of Asking
One of the most beautiful elements of this passage is its simplicity. Jesus starts by encouraging us to ask. It’s such a straightforward action, yet often we’re too hesitant to even begin with this first step. Why is that? Maybe it’s pride, fear, or a belief that our request seems insignificant.
However, asking implies a recognition of our need and an openness to receive. When Jesus tells us to ask, He is inviting us into a relationship of trust and humility with God. It’s an acknowledgment that we are not self-sufficient and that there is Someone greater to whom we can bring our needs and desires. In essence, it’s an act of faith.
The Pursuit in Seeking
Moving deeper, Jesus speaks of seeking. There’s a bit more intention and determination involved in seeking than in just asking. It’s about actively searching for truth, wisdom, or guidance.
When we seek, we’re encouraged to engage our hearts and minds fully, immersing ourselves in the journey of discovery. Seeking involves persistence and a genuine longing to understand. It’s about looking for God’s presence in all aspects of our lives. In Jeremiah 29:13, it’s beautifully said, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Seeking is about pursuit, passion, and longing for God’s truth to be evident in our lives.
Persistent Knocking
Finally, Jesus instructs us to knock. This action captures persistence and perseverance. Knocking symbolizes an unwavering determination to gain entrance, to not give up even when the door seems closed.
Knocking is about continuous effort and resilience. It means staying engaged with God, remaining faithful, and believing that He will respond in His time and in His perfect way. This persistence is not just a formality; it reflects a deep desire for a closer relationship with God and a willingness to wait for His timing. This echoes the assurance found in James 1:6, where we are reminded to ask in faith, not doubting.
A Promise Fulfilled
What is truly remarkable about this passage is the promise that accompanies each action. Jesus states that when we ask, seek, and knock, there will be a response: *receiving*, *finding*, and *opening*. This isn’t just a hopeful thought but a promise that God is attentive and responsive to our needs. He is not distant or indifferent but involved in our lives.
Although the answers may not always come in the ways we expect or desire, there is an assurance that God hears and acts according to His divine wisdom and love. This passage invites us into an active and ongoing dialogue with God, where persistence and faith lead us closer to His heart.
In times of uncertainty or longing, let’s hold onto these words with trust and expectancy. Let’s embrace the simplicity and depth of asking, seeking, and knocking—not just as actions but as pathways to a deeper relationship with the One who listens and responds with love.