The Lord requires things of us. His blessings are promised many times but often we must do something first. Do you want your joy to be made full? Do you want God to draw close to you? Do you want the desires of your heart? Do you want God to direct your paths?
Of course we all say we want these things, but first what do we have to do? Ask. Draw close to God. Delight in the Lord. Acknowledge Him. We like to focus on the wonderful promises God has made for us without acknowledging that we must do something first. While God’s promises are waiting for us, they remain inaccessible unless we choose to obey and seek Him.
We need to live a life of expectancy, a life expecting the blessings of God, which only comes through obedience. We live a life of hope because our God has promised us His favor. Scripture consistently shows us the actions we must take to unlock God’s promises.
1) Knock, and it shall be opened unto you
2) Ask and it shall be given you
3) Seek and ye shall find
-Matthew 7:7
Have we prayed persistently?
4) Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.
-John16:24
Have we sought God's will?
5) Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
-James 4:7
Have we resisted the devil? Jesus did that by quoting scripture.
6) Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh unto you.
-James 4:8
Have we tried to grow closer to God through prayer, Bible study and seeking His will?
7) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
-I John 1:9
Have we consistently confessed our sins? Not just some vague, "I am sorry, God," but specifically with the intention to not do them again?
8) Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
-Psalm 37:4
Do we delight in God or do we feel like we must do our duty? Is He our joy or are we weary with God?
9) Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
-Psalm 37: 5-6
Are we truly committed to Him, trusting in Him for our needs?
10) Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land. -Psalm 37:34
Have we been patient, and while we wait, have we been obedient?
11) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
-Proverbs 3:6
Have we acknowledged our need for God in every plan we make?
12) Commit your works to the Lord, And your plans will be established.
-Proverbs 16:3
Have we committed ourselves to the Lord fully and tried to understand the plans He would have us make?
13) Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee.
-Psalm 55:22
Have we trusted that He will care for us when our burdens are heavy? Have we laid them at His feet?
How are you actively trusting God with the desires of your heart? What specific steps are you taking today to draw closer to God?
We often overlook that God's promises are not just guarantees; they are invitations to engage in a deeper relationship with Him. Our faith requires action—obedience, trust, and surrender. While we eagerly await His blessings, we must also align our hearts and actions with His will. This means seeking Him daily, resisting the distractions of the world, and being steadfast in prayer. God’s promises are not passive rewards but active outcomes of a faithful life lived in pursuit of Him. When we draw close to God, He moves closer to us, transforming our lives in ways beyond our understanding. It is through this divine partnership that we experience the fullness of His blessings.
Have you experienced this in your life? Do you want to experience more of God's promises? Do we remember to be thankful for all our blessings? Are we obedient? God’s promises are abundant, but they require a heart aligned with His will, a life of expectancy, and active obedience. When we seek Him earnestly, He is faithful to fulfill every promise. Praise to the Lord who sustains us!
O Lord, lead me in Your righteousness because of my foes;
Make Your way straight before me.
Psalm 5:8
Comments