God Knows

Feb 4, 2021

Do you remember getting into fights with your parents as a young child or rebellious teenager?

We all have memories of the tension between what we wanted and what our authority figures would allow. Somehow we always came to the conclusion, in our adolescent wisdom, that mom or dad just didn’t understand! They’d never been a teen before - they just didn’t get it! They don’t know how important it is that I go to the movie or stay out past curfew or (fill in the blank with what you thought was an absolute necessity in your 16 year old brain).

But it’s funny to look back and chuckle at my angsty confidence... sure I had figured out the whole world in just 16 short years. And now I see that, in nearly every single one of those conflicts, they did have my best interest in mind. With the maturity of a few more years under my belt, and plenty more mistakes, I can see how all along they had foresight. While I wanted to please my selfish desires in the moment, they were looking out for my future.

That’s what a parent does. They see what their children can’t see. They provide wisdom when their child gets lost in foolishness. They know what their child needs.

Did you know this is what your heavenly Father does for you?

In the Sermon on the Mount, one of Jesus’ most famous teachings, he shares a plethora of wisdom with those around him. In the middle of this sermon, in Matthew 6, he shares about prayer. It’s in this passage that he shares these words,

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Matthew 6: 7-8

“Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” So often we go into prayer or we navigate life believing we know what’s best. If God would give us this, if God would take this away, if God would (fill in the blank for what you think is absolutely necessary when you’re approaching God in prayer)...

Whether it’s because of societal standards, peer pressure, or our own desires - we often come to God with confidence that we know what He needs to do. But God is not our vending machine, He is our Father. And He knows what we need before we even ask Him.

It may be exactly what you’re asking for. It may be the opposite of what you’d expect. But God knows what will serve us, sanctify us, and bring the most glory to Him. He is our father, and just like parents have to guide their immature children, He has to guide our wavering hearts. He knows what is best, and we must choose to trust that in all things He is working for our good.

So take some time today to reflect on the things you are praying for. It is good to ask. It is good to present your requests to the Lord - but are you confident that He knows best? Are you content with whatever answer He gives you?

Our Father wants to bless us abundantly. He wants us to enjoy good things, but according to His will, not our to-do list. What would it look like to trust God more deeply with your future today?