You Don't Have Because You Didn't Ask!
"You desire and do not have, so you murder! You are jealous of something you can't get, so you struggle and fight. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive because you ask with evil intentions, to spend it on your desires." CE James 4:2-3
You know God is funny, in an almost sarcastically mocking sort of way! Here's the thing. I couldn't think of anything to write about for this week's blog. Partly because of writer's block, but primarily due to this week's overwhelming ups and downs. As I was saying, God give me something to write about, I got this "You have not because you ask not" tell me that is not the most sarcastically genius thing you have ever heard in your life. LOL! So as you can probably guess, today, we will focus on just that!
What exactly does it mean? Well, that is a great question; let me first lead by saying, I am NOT a preacher, pastor, minister, bishop, affiliate, or any of that. What I AM is one who listens to understand instead of to respond. In that same breath, I say the gravity of a situation is widely based on our perspective and perception. What's the difference Jazz?
Perspective- The angle from which you see a situation or circumstance
Perception- How you understand what you see.
Ex: We may both be in an art gallery looking at the same painting
Perspective- I’m on the right with glasses, and you are on the left with sun shades.
Perception- I see a face with its slightly tilted head; you see two bunnies in the forest.
Vulnerable Moment:
If my truths could write about me, I TRULY believe I would be speechless. I believe the vast juxtaposition of my “thens” and my “nows” would paint a wildly different depiction.
In doing a bit of research on this verse, I came across many variations that left me a bit confused. So, upon further investigation, I realized that I was using both of the preceding things, which gave me different views of the verse.
Sometimes we want something so badly, and we pray and work and pray and work, and it seems that nothing is happening. Am I doing enough? Am I doing it right? Is God listening? Does he even care? Through the dissection of the verse, I now understand that it is none of those things. It is simply we are expecting a manifestation of our desires, but the place from which the ask originates is full of evil, deception, and without purity and sincerity. We are asking for these things because they will satiate our ]desires, with no intention of being used for good, whether that good is for ourselves or others. What does that have to do with anything?
“The lessons of my life should have a counselor”-Jazz
Great questions! Have you ever found yourself praying for that new job? I have! What about praying for that new man or woman? I have, Wait what about more money, time, things, etc.? Yes, yes, Yes! I do ALL the TIME! I know, I know! But here is the thing I didn't get any of them at the time. Why? Well, at the time, I believed it was because I was too good for anyone, problem number 1- lack of humility. Then I thought I was beneath that job anyway, problem number two, leadership complex- I felt that because I had a master's degree that I can't work for someone who doesn't AT LEAST have that! How could I be single when "THAT" had somebody!- problem number three- self-image. I was so wrapped up in the way I looked, "I'm too cute to be by myself" "How did they get someone, and I can't" that I didn't realize my attitude SUCKED! I believed that any man would be LUCKY to be with me. I mean, the depth of men is they are visual anyway, RIGHT, they don't need anything else! YEP! That was ya girl ALL DAY! I've done them all. Hindsight is 20/20. Looking back, I know that they were coming from envy, not being humble, lack of gratitude, and a whole bunch of other foolishness! Youth is a fun and funny thing, man!
Whichever stage of your self-realization journey you are in, know that there will come a time when your asks will be answered. I always consider myself more spiritual than religious. I believe there is a God, and I know he protects me. I do not believe that the condemnation of people who think differently than I do is warranted simply because the book said so! The God I believe in loves ALL. He is gracious, kind, a bit sarcastic, totally genius, warm, healing, comforting, and the provider of all things. So when you find yourself asking and not receiving, take a moment to ask yourself, "Was it genuine"?.
As always, thank you ALL for allowing me to share my passions and experiences with you! I hope that my blog inspires you to go after what you want and believe in yourself because I believe in you! Now strike your POWER POSE- We got this, LET’S GET TO IT!!
Keep Shining Loves
-💕Jazz
