I can remember when I was terrified to ask God questions. I’m certain I feared His response. That only makes sense because before we establish a relationship with God, the only point of reference we have is what we know or what we have come to expect. For some, if criticism or harsh response is what you expect, asking God questions could be a terrifying task to take steps toward. Or is you suffer from insecurities, having the courage to ask God questions could be more than you think you can bare.

I hope to encourage you toward a different perspective today.

When we meet a new friend, how do we get to know them? We talk. We ask questions about one another. We learn their character, their preferences, their behaviors. We are careful not hurt them. We take pleasure in helping them. We are comfortable asking them for help. We get to know one another’s families. We become part of each other’s life. Doing life together. This is the type of relationship God desires with each one of us. But how can we become friends with God if we aren’t spending time with God? If we aren’t getting to know His character, through reading scripture. If we aren’t taking time to care of His preferences. If we have not learned what hurts Him. We can’t. It really is that simple. If we were to talk to our best friend only when we needed something and always do things the way we want – it wouldn’t take long at all for our friend to realize we aren’t friends at all, would it? But you know, our God, He is patient! Even today – if you’ve been the worst of friends to Him, He is saying “I’m not mad at you! Come home. I love you. I knew you’d befriend me today and I’ve could hardly wait!”.

Have you been reading scripture before and a verse come alive for you? Resonate deep within you? Bring up a memory or emotion? Try asking God some questions …

“What do you need me to know about this God”

“What are you trying to teach me God”

“What do you need me to do God”

Then wait quietly. If you do not hear anything at first when you start asking God your questions, don’t give up! It is tempting to think of God as a genie, where you make a request and boom, He responds. God wants to provide more, so much more. I remember the first time I read in Jeremiah the promise that “when you seek The Lord with your whole heart, you will find Him”, I was elated. Why? Because it said WILL! Not could. Not may. WILL! Take that promise to the bank and get to asking God your questions, because when you do and you persist with your whole heart, you WILL find him.

By reading scripture each day. Comparing what you have read to yourself or your life or habits. Asking God questions. Listening for His answers. Confirming what you heard from Him to scripture. You begin to establish the most amazing friendship ever! A life changing, life saving friendship. A friendship with the only one who controls eternity. Now THAT is a friendship worth having!

Heavenly Father I pray for each one of us that you establish within us the desire to read your word. Give us honesty to read your word and determine if are living for you or for ourselves. Give us courage to ask you questions, to become your friend. May we respond to you in a way that is pleasing to you. I ask this in Jesus name. Amen