“Oh Lord won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz,” was a big hit for Janis Joplin years ago. People either think the song is hilarious or they are appalled at the lyrics. Most health and wealth gospel supporters would probably not balk at such a prayer. After all, the Bible says, “Ask and it will be given… (Matthew 7:7).” Does not God exist to make us rich and happy? (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
That may be true – but not in the way we think.
Rich doesn’t always mean having lots of money or possessions. You can be rich in desirable qualities such as wisdom. Rich can mean deep, strong or intense such as being rich in faith. Rich can mean ample such as having a rich supply of food.
Happiness doesn’t mean we get everything we want. Happiness can be a state of mind or feeling characterized by contentment, love, satisfaction, pleasure, or joy. Happiness can mean being cheerful in all circumstances. Happiness can mean being fortunate.
God is not the big sugar daddy in the sky who gives us everything we want. Rather, he is a loving Father who supplies our needs. In the model prayer we hear nothing about the disciples asking for bigger, two humped camels. (Matthew 6:7-15) This prayer is full of reverence for God, asking for his will to be done, forgiveness for others, and daily needs – not wants – to be met.
Most of our prayers are not as ludicrous as asking for a new, expensive car, but if we aren’t careful we can approach prayer with a list of things we want or deeds we want God to perform for us. God doesn’t exist to jump through our hoops or do our bidding.
It may well be that for our own growth and edification God thinks it’s best to not give us everything we want. Instead of healing, he might give us strength. Instead of deliverance, he might give us perseverance. Instead of a sparing a loved one’s life, he might give us peace. Instead of winning the lottery, he might give us a job.
We pray so that our will can be aligned with what God wants for us – not for God to align his will to ours.
Perhaps instead of asking for a Mercedes Benz we might pray not to have so much we forget God, or so little we curse him (Proverbs 30:8, 9). And if he wants to throw in Mercedes Benz, don’t turn it down – just give him thanks! (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
