Ask and the world gives a spirit of fear:

Have you noticed how dizzying the things of the world have become? Have you noticed how it does not slow? The media, and the tools of media, spin and churn a vertigo of fear. It’s too easy to become drawn into that relentless cycle. It entices with “what if” questions that feed doubt and anxiety.

You might innocently just be trying to check the news or catch the weather but the stream of fear pouring out can mesmerize anyone. Passive recipients become entrapped and distracted away from the truth. This is not what God wants for us. We are not a people with a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) The problem is not with seeking knowledge. The problem is who we are asking.

God wants us to ask Him questions. Questions are good!

The Asking Promise:

Believers are given a promise. The promise is that if we ask God for wisdom – He will give us wisdom! We read this in James.

James was written to all the Jewish believing assemblies throughout the Roman Empire in what is called the dispersion. The word dispersion or diaspora is a term that refers to the Jews who were living outside the land of Israel. James’ role was to provide godly guidance to these young believing assemblies and guide them on how they ought to live and behave. He did this for the church in Jerusalem, for the believers in the diaspora through this letter, and now for you and I.

He writes, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James1:5

The criteria for receiving the wisdom that God has promised to you and I is that we ask in faith and that we ask honestly. The saints grasp for promises like these when the nights get long. It is so uncomplicated that it reflects instruction intended for children. This is good because simplicity is valuable when faced with the confusing temptation the world has to offer. We only need to trust the simple promises of God like a child.

Ask like a Passover Child:

Every year Pesach, or Passover, is celebrated because God passed over the blood stained doorways of Jewish homes sparing the firstborn from death during the final Egyptian plague. Every year the story is retold in Jewish homes at the Seder with the story being prompted by questions from the children.

 Why is this night different from all other nights?

• On all other nights we eat bread or matzah, but on this night only matzah, why?

Because of the haste of leaving Egypt

• On all other nights we eat all kinds of vegetables, but on this night, we eat bitter herbs, why?

Because of the bitterness of slavery

• On all other nights we do not dip our food even once, but on this night, we dip twice, why?

Because of the tears and suffering

• On all other nights we eat sitting upright or reclining, but on this night we all recline, why?

Because of the posture of free people

These are called the four questions. From the lips of the children, they seek truth and comfort from the wisdom of their father and learn of God’s salvation. This festival of freedom is initiated by the questions of children.

Ask and He gives a spirit of peace:

The believer may approach the Father in the same way, like a child.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.” Philippians 4:6-7

A spirit of peace is profoundly available if we ask “like a Passover child.”

We here at Israel Today Ministries teach scripture and feed children and Holocaust survivors in Israel.  Thank you for your faithful prayers and partnership!

May God, bless you,

Scott Johnson

• Scott Johnson is a Senior Middle East Analyst, who lived and worked in the Middle East, and has degrees from Moody Bible Institute and the University of London. He an ITM Advisory Board member.