Pray With Confidence – James 1:6

Continuing with prayer, week two of verse memorization is James 1:6.

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

The preceding verse in James 1:5 talks about asking God for wisdom.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Why is this so important to me and should be to you as well, is because that true joy and peace come with wisdom from God. Notice I said wisdom from God, not man’s wisdom.

To make the best choices in life, to endure, to not just survive, but thrive, and to live the life that the Lord wants me to live and has planned for me, takes Godly wisdom. This forces me to surrender my plans, my will, my life, to HIS plans, will, and life for me. From experience I know for my own benefit, and more importantly, the Glory of God and His kingdom, His will is always what I need and ultimately want. This comes from His wisdom.

When I pray, am I asking and praying for things that I believe line up with His will for my life, or that He would be pleased with? Furthermore, this week’s verse tells me that not only should the requests line up with His will, I must not doubt or waiver knowing that He will grant it to me and that He is all powerful to do anything! Pray like this, and I can tell you that life changes, for the better.

We often think that we know what is best for our lives, a lot of money, retirement, a new car, whatever it is. However, we are so often WRONG. I must think about my relationship with God the way I think about my relationship with my own children, except for the fact that he is a MUCH better father. The point being, He knows what I need and what is best for me, just like I know what my kids need and what is best for them. They don’t always like it, but it is for their own good, they just don’t know it. It’s the same for me. God wants good for me, he wants me to live a “life more abundantly” John 10:10, and “to give me a hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11.

In conclusion, James 1:6 teaches me to trust Him, believe, and not to doubt in my faith for His delivery. I believe that asking in doubt is actually pointless, why even ask then? I also see it as possibly insulting to the almighty creator. James 1:6 also teaches me that if I don’t trust Him, and keep my faith firmly planted in Him, life can and will likely get out of control and my foundation is gone. He is my rock, my shepherd, my solid foundation upon which my entire life and being is based upon. Knowing that He promises to always be with me, and grant me my prayers when they align with His will, can keep me confident in the race of life, staying the course, fighting the good fight, and ultimately victorious!

I will pray to the Lord honestly, and know that He is listening and cares. I will believe and not doubt that He wants what is best for me, and He is more than capable and willing to deliver it! Will you join me?