Episode 65

Ever feel ignored by God? Like he’s withholding answers to the prayers you’ve desperately prayed? We may feel like he’s holding out on us at times, but that’s not true. According to the verses I read in today’s episode of the Believe & Speak podcast, God does not withhold good things from us. When God doesn’t give me what I’m asking him for, I try hard not to think of it as him saying, “No, you can’t have that.” Instead, I imagine God saying, “No, that wouldn’t be good for you right now.” The idea of God only withholding what would not be good for me reminds me of Proverbs 30:8-9, which says, “give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” (NIV) James also speaks to those of us who may think God is holding out on us. In Chapter 4, he writes, “You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives.” (James 4:2b-3a NIV) When we ask God with pure motives for good things to be given at the right time, God hears us. He is not slow in keeping his promises to us—at least according to his timeline. One day in the courts of the Lord is better than a thousand elsewhere. The Lord God is your sun and shield. He bestows favor and honor. That means he will always protect you and provide for you. Saying this week’s declaration will help you remember these truths. 10-Day Reading Plan http://bible.us/r/6Ra Longing to Belong: Discovering the Joy of Acceptance is now available for purchase on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Walmart.com, Booksamillion.com and Christianbook.com. It’s also available for download to your Kindle or from the Apple store for your iBooks app. Or visit my website to purchase a copy at shawnamariebryant.com This week's scripture: Psalm 84:10-12