My advancing years have prompted me to ask a lot. I ask fellow walkers to get me across the street safely by letting me know when the light turns to the "Walk" signal. In the grocery store, I ask helping hands to reach items or to look at the date on the milk bag. Sometimes, I have been asked what else that I might need help with. At times, we get laughing about how things can go for an older person. Once, I explained, "I am visually impaired." The person who heard it said to someone else, "I am not visually impaired, but in some other ways, yes!" I prayed that it was a cry asking for help.

To someone who helps me, I might say, "See you again!" or "You are a godsend!" and always "God bless you!" I really enjoy my shopping, and I actually anticipate meeting people, thanking God for my helpers' good deeds.

Years ago on a particularly distressing, pivotal day, I was prompted to look at my old Bible. Opening it, I read about asking God — just what I needed in my despair!

Matthew 7:7-8 – Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. (NRSV)

In what had seemed like a desperate situation, I was given a profound lift of hope for the future. This promise that our joy may be complete by asking in Jesus' name has remained since then as a reminder that in other situations on the journey, asking God is the best source for answers, be it in unemployment, sickness, relationships, children, loss of a loved one, or whatever the name of despair!

Reading the Bible is a source of keys that open the door for us to walk through.

John 14:13-14 – I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it. (NRSV)

I have learned that God answers with "No", "Yes", and "Wait". Whichever it is, it is always timely and the best answer.

There is complete joy in God's answers, and so in that assurance, we can move on with a heart filled with gratitude and joy.

Psalm 121:1-2 – I lift up my eyes to the hills — from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (NRSV)

Prayer: Our heavenly Father, thank You for those who help us each day in so many ways. Thank You for the name of Jesus, through whom we can come before You. Our joy is complete in such blessings! In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen!

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About the author:

Kirsti Sipila <kirstiksipila@hotmail.com>
Brantford, Ontario, Canada
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