\u201cOh Lord won\u2019t you buy me a Mercedes Benz,\u201d 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, \u201cAsk and it will be given\u2026 (Matthew 7:7).\u201d Does not God exist to make us rich and happy? (Jeremiah 29:11-13)<\/p>\n
That may be true \u2013 but not in the way we think.<\/p>\n
Rich doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
Happiness doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
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 \u2013 not wants \u2013 to be met.<\/p>\n
Most of our prayers are not as ludicrous as asking for a new, expensive car, but if we aren\u2019t careful we can approach prayer with a list of things we want or deeds we want God to perform for us. God doesn\u2019t exist to jump through our hoops or do our bidding.<\/p>\n
It may well be that for our own growth and edification God thinks it\u2019s 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\u2019s life, he might give us peace. Instead of winning the lottery, he might give us a job.<\/p>\n
We pray so that our will can be aligned with what God wants for us \u2013 not for God to align his will to ours.<\/p>\n
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\u2019t turn it down \u2013 just give him thanks! (1 Thessalonians 5:18)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\u201cOh Lord won\u2019t you buy me a Mercedes Benz,\u201d 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 … Continue reading