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Ask God

             They answered: “Your servants have come from a very distant country because of the fame of the Lord your God. For we have heard reports of him: all that he did in Egypt, and all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan—Sihon king of Heshbon, and Og king of Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth. And our elders and all those living in our country said to us, ‘Take provisions for your journey; go and meet them and say to them, “We are your servants; make a treaty with us.”’ This bread of ours was warm when we packed it at home on the day we left to come to you. But now see how dry and moldy it is.  And these wineskins that we filled were new, but see how cracked they are. And our clothes and sandals are worn out by the very long journey.”

            The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord.  Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath. (Joshua 9:9-14)

 

            The strangers said they’d been on a log trip, and they looked the part. What’s more, they were effectively surrendering.

            The Israelites went with what looked good and what made sense. They figured they didn’t need to talk to God about these strangers. And they got tricked. God worked things out, but life in Israel would have been easier if they’d just asked God.

            We face the same problem, and there are basically four reasons we don’t ask God. First, we know what we want the answer to be, and He might disagree. The second is that we think the answer is obvious and don’t want to seem needy or stupid.  The third is that we don’t think God cares. We’ve been told not to bother God with trivial questions. We’re adults, and God doesn’t care what color shirt we wear to work today (or whatever.) And the fourth is that God doesn’t tend to answer clearly enough or quickly enough to suit our preferences. Wait is, after all, a four-letter word.

            So how do we know when to ask God’s opinion about things? Despite what some folks say, I suspect it’s wise to ask His opinion about everything. Since most of us find that habit overwhelming, let’s start with some ideas.

            It’s unnecessary to ask God about something He’s already made clear. He will never say it’s OK to murder, cheat, steal, abuse, lie, or worship other gods.

            Does it matter? Might it matter? It might or might not matter what color shirt you wear today. God might introduce you to someone who will respond in a specific way to the color. It can’t hurt to ask. In the case of something more important, like forming a partnership, doing something involving money or the law? Are there potential ramifications? Ask God!

            Does it involve another person? Ask God.

            Might it involve something outside of your control? Outside of your understanding? Ask God.

            Are you not 100% positive about it?  Ask God.

            Is it a new decision?  Ask God.

            Do you wonder what God thinks? Ask God.

            Are you afraid? Anxious? Frustrated? Angry? Lonely? Emotional? Ask God.

            What can it hurt?

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