If You Lack—Ask God

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously without reproach, and it will be given to Him.”  James 1:5

This verse tells us that God will respond to sincere prayer  with mercy.  What is it in this verse that gives rise to prayer?  Clearly, it is our sense of need or lack.  We go to God in prayer to give us what we cannot get from anyone or anything else.  The more aware we are of what we lack, the more frequently and fervently will we go to God as the all-sufficient source of all good.  God is merciful in pouring out His undeserved blessings upon us.  Many of God’s tender mercies come to us by virtue of a promise.  We must recognize those mercies that come in answer to prayers motivated by God’s promises.  The sweetest blessings are those that we know we do not merit, but are poured out by virtue of a promise.  Such blessings strengthen our faith and fill us with gratitude to God.  Over time, such experiences of God’s mercy will greatly increase our trust and invite others to do the same.