Sept 25th - How the Lord answers

Matthew 7:7-8
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."


These words were spoken by the Savior as he gave the Sermon on the Mount. I often have read these words with the brief acknowledgment that if we ask, we shall receive. Stopping to think and ponder on this scripture has brought even more understanding.
This scripture tells us in three separate descriptions, on how the Lord answers our prayers in different ways.

First: Ask. If we ask, it will be given to us. How many of us stray or struggle because we simply neglect to get on our knees and ask? Sometimes, all it takes to get an answer... is to ask.

Second: Seek. Seek, and YOU will find. Sometimes the Lord requires more from us than simply asking: He requires us to seek. Seek the answer. Search. Look. This type of answer requires that you go looking for your answer. Do some research. He promises us that if we seek, we will find. Many times I find myself doubting the Lord will answer, simply because all I HAVE done is ask. If you don't get your answer after simply asking, I have learned it means the answer is going to come by either seeking or knocking.

Example: I have been wondering and pondering on what to major in. Music, Psychology, Education, Philosophy, Sociology, Medicine, etc etc... I prayed and prayed for enlightenment. None came... until I sat down and did some research. First, I started with my Patriarchal blessing. It helped me to keep an eternal perspective in mind, and the promises that were given to me according to my faith and obedience. Then, I spent weeks looking at different colleges and degrees. I often went back to the same web pages, reading the same content. After weeks went by, I was often compelled back to the same website. Whether by my own interest or by providence I know not. Nor do I think it matters. God has said that "he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward..." (D&C 58:26-29). Meaning, sometimes its up to us! We get to make our own decisions! So after much seeking, I found what I wanted to major in.

Third: Knock. Knock and it shall be opened unto you. What does it mean to knock? I thought of it like this. You are sitting outside a friends house who is having a party. You really want to join. In order to join the fun and celebration, you have to first walk up to that door and knock. Knock and wait to see if someone will answer the door and let you in. Scary? YES! What if no one answers? What if they don't hear you? Or worse, what if they see its you at the door and don't answer for that very reason? Its going to take some faith on your part. If you want to walk through that door and join the party, you have to have faith enough to walk up to the door and knock, and faith that someone will answer and let you in.
Be assured. If you are knocking on a door the Savior is behind, He will always open.

Other references: JST Matt. 7:12-17, Luke 11:9