Today’s scripture is Matthew 7:7: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
When we read these words of Jesus, they seem simple and straightforward, yet they carry profound depth. Jesus is teaching us about the power and promise of persistence in prayer. In three simple actions—asking, seeking, and knocking—He unfolds a divine invitation for us to connect with God, align our desires with His will, and receive blessings beyond our imagination.
Let’s dive into each of these actions and see what they reveal about our relationship with God and the power of prayer.
Ask: Embracing Childlike Faith
The first step Jesus mentions is to “ask.” Asking is simple, yet it’s an act that shows humility and faith. Children don’t hesitate to ask their parents for things because they trust them and feel secure in their love. Jesus invites us to approach God with this same childlike confidence, bringing our needs, desires, and dreams before Him.
Asking requires humility and honesty. God knows our needs, but He desires a relationship with us, where we come to Him openly and lay down our cares. When we ask, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and recognize that He is the source of every good thing.
However, sometimes we hesitate to ask because we doubt whether God will answer or believe that our requests are too small or unimportant. But in James 4:2, it says, “You do not have because you do not ask.” God wants us to ask boldly, with confidence that He loves us and desires to bless us according to His perfect will.
Seek: Pursuing God’s Will with Diligence
The next step is to “seek.” Seeking goes beyond asking—it implies effort, desire, and persistence. To seek means to pursue God’s will with intention and commitment, to earnestly desire not just His blessings but His presence and wisdom in our lives. In seeking, we don’t simply present our requests to God and wait passively; we actively search for His guidance, His answers, and His direction.
Seeking is a journey that involves growing in our relationship with God. It’s about going deeper, beyond our immediate needs and wants, and aligning our hearts with His. In Jeremiah 29:13, God promises, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” This pursuit transforms us, teaching us patience, building our faith, and drawing us closer to the One who loves us most.
When we seek, we may find answers that surprise us or lead us in unexpected directions. Sometimes, God’s answer to our prayer involves a change within us—a new perspective, a refined heart, or a different priority. Seeking keeps us engaged with God, helping us grow spiritually and leading us toward His greater purposes for our lives.
Knock: Demonstrating Persistent Faith
Finally, Jesus tells us to “knock.” Knocking is about persistence and determination. It reflects an unwavering commitment to keep coming back, even when doors don’t open immediately. In Luke 18:1, Jesus shares a parable about a persistent widow who doesn’t give up, showing us the importance of persistent faith.
Knocking requires resilience and a refusal to give up, especially in times when answers seem delayed or unclear. God may allow us to keep knocking to build our faith and endurance. This process can be challenging, but it’s also where we see God’s faithfulness and power most clearly. Each time we knock, we affirm our belief that God is working behind the scenes, preparing the best outcome for us.
Sometimes, knocking may involve waiting, which can be uncomfortable. Yet, in the waiting, God refines our character, strengthens our faith, and deepens our trust in Him. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.” As we knock, we learn that God’s timing is perfect, and we can trust Him to open the right doors at the right time.
God’s Response: The Promise of an Open Door
The beautiful promise in Matthew 7:7 is that when we ask, seek, and knock, God will respond. He may not always give us exactly what we request, but He will always give us what we need according to His wisdom and love.
In Matthew 7:11, Jesus goes on to say, “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!” God’s heart is generous, kind, and attentive. He delights in giving good gifts, but He also gives us what will ultimately lead to our growth, joy, and fulfillment in Him.
It’s important to recognize that God’s answer might come in a form we don’t expect. Sometimes, He closes doors to protect us, redirects us for a greater purpose, or allows us to wait so we can receive something far better. Trusting in His love and wisdom, we can be assured that He always acts with our best in mind.
Living Out Matthew 7:7 in Daily Life
As we reflect on Matthew 7:7, let’s take Jesus’ invitation to heart. Start each day by bringing your needs before God, seeking His presence, and knocking on the doors of opportunity He places in your path. Remember that God delights in your prayers and loves to see you draw near to Him. Here are a few practical steps to live out this verse daily:
1. Ask with Faith: Begin each day by praying with confidence, trusting that God hears you and is able to provide for every need.
2. Seek with Purpose: Spend time reading God’s Word and pursuing His wisdom for your life. Seek not only His blessings but His guidance, peace, and purpose.
3. Knock with Persistence: Don’t give up on your prayers or dreams. If a door hasn’t opened, keep knocking with faith that God’s timing is perfect.
Let this passage encourage you to pursue God with boldness and trust. His promise is sure: when you ask, seek, and knock, you will experience His presence, guidance, and blessing. God’s answers may come in surprising ways, but His faithfulness never fails.