Note that our verse does not close out with "make your demands of God", but rather, "let your requests be made known to God." Let's look at this phrase a little closer through different translations and actual word meanings.
The Message, "letting God know your concerns."
God's Word Translation, "in every situation let God know what you need."
Good News Translation, "ask God for what you need."
New International Readers Version, "tell God about everything. Ask and pray."
Weymouth New Testament, "let your request be unreservedly made known in the presence of God."
These translations reaffirm to me, in addition to the Holman Christian Standard language that we originally read, that we are presenting our requests, based on our perceived needs, current situations, and problems before us; but that we are never to place demands on God for what we think we should have or be granted.
In looking at the actual Greek words used in this verse, requests is translated from the word aitema, which is fairly simple in its definition... petition, request, require. Interestingly, though, this particular words is only used three times in the New Testament, here in Philippians 4:6, and also in Luke 23:24 and 1 John 5:15.
Luke 23:24 is a sad portrayal of the requests of people. For this verse states that Pilate declared that Jesus should be crucified based on the peoples' aitema. Here the request was brought before a human granter, who, just as in the case of us and God, had the ability and power to determine whether the request would be granted or not. 1 John 5:15 was one of our verses weeks ago when we were discussing the power of prayer. It states that if we know that God hears our aitema, then we know that He will grant our desires. But if you'll remember, 1 John 5:14 conditioned our prayer requests based upon asking according to God's will.
Based on the above, I conclude that we are to humbly present our requests, putting them in God's hands for His decision to be made toward us. There are some, it seems, that would promote an almost arrogance in our approach to God...that we should be so confident in our position as His saved and loved children that we come to Him and not only present our petitions, but place our demands on Him. Almost like a spoiled child who says, "You said you would get me anything I wanted." I believe God responds with a kind, "No, I said I would give you everything you needed, and that I am the One who knows exactly what that is."
Joy does not come from getting what we think we want in this life...joy comes from being in a relationship of trust...trusting that the moment our cares are transmitted from our minds and placed before our loving Father, that He is ready to respond with the exact right answer for our current need.
The Message, "letting God know your concerns."
God's Word Translation, "in every situation let God know what you need."
Good News Translation, "ask God for what you need."
New International Readers Version, "tell God about everything. Ask and pray."
Weymouth New Testament, "let your request be unreservedly made known in the presence of God."
These translations reaffirm to me, in addition to the Holman Christian Standard language that we originally read, that we are presenting our requests, based on our perceived needs, current situations, and problems before us; but that we are never to place demands on God for what we think we should have or be granted.
In looking at the actual Greek words used in this verse, requests is translated from the word aitema, which is fairly simple in its definition... petition, request, require. Interestingly, though, this particular words is only used three times in the New Testament, here in Philippians 4:6, and also in Luke 23:24 and 1 John 5:15.
Luke 23:24 is a sad portrayal of the requests of people. For this verse states that Pilate declared that Jesus should be crucified based on the peoples' aitema. Here the request was brought before a human granter, who, just as in the case of us and God, had the ability and power to determine whether the request would be granted or not. 1 John 5:15 was one of our verses weeks ago when we were discussing the power of prayer. It states that if we know that God hears our aitema, then we know that He will grant our desires. But if you'll remember, 1 John 5:14 conditioned our prayer requests based upon asking according to God's will.
Based on the above, I conclude that we are to humbly present our requests, putting them in God's hands for His decision to be made toward us. There are some, it seems, that would promote an almost arrogance in our approach to God...that we should be so confident in our position as His saved and loved children that we come to Him and not only present our petitions, but place our demands on Him. Almost like a spoiled child who says, "You said you would get me anything I wanted." I believe God responds with a kind, "No, I said I would give you everything you needed, and that I am the One who knows exactly what that is."
Joy does not come from getting what we think we want in this life...joy comes from being in a relationship of trust...trusting that the moment our cares are transmitted from our minds and placed before our loving Father, that He is ready to respond with the exact right answer for our current need.
2 comments:
My worries become fear. I go to God for comfort. There is joy in knowing that God's power and goodness reign over me. Joy in having a way to deal and cope with my worries and fears through faith in Christ Jesus. Joy and assurance God is listening to me. He hears my plea. He equips me so I can not worry and not be afraid.
The joy of living in God's presence outshines all other pleasures. There is joy in living in increasing intimacy with God. I'm finding that this is true. The more I turn my worries and fears into prayer requests to God and accepting His Will, the more joyful I can feel about myself and my life. The first two sentences come from my daily devotional. There is joy in life each day because of the love of Jesus Christ.
Post a Comment