The verse in Matthew 7:7 is one of the best known and most quoted in the Bible. It says: "Ask, and it will be given; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened." This teaching is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus shares several important instructions for the spiritual and daily lives of his followers. The depth of these words goes far beyond a simple action of asking and receiving. They offer us a powerful key to apply to our daily decisions and guide us to act with faith, perseverance and trust.
Asking: recognizing your needs with humility
The first aspect of the verse concerns the act of asking. Asking is an action that demonstrates our humility and our dependence on something greater. Often, in everyday decisions, we tend to try to solve everything ourselves, relying only on our own strength and ability. However, Matthew 7:7 reminds us that we should ask God for guidance and help.
When making important decisions at work, in the family or in any other area, it is essential to stop and ask. This means recognizing that we don't always have all the answers and that we need a divine force to guide us. Asking God for wisdom before making any decision is a gesture of humility and trust.
To apply this in practice, start your days or decisive moments with a simple prayer, asking for clarity, discernment and wisdom. By asking, you open your heart and mind to perceive signs and opportunities that can go unnoticed when we are only focused on our own abilities.
Search: to take action in search of answers
The second point of the teaching talks about seeking. Asking is the first step, but seeking requires an active attitude. God encourages us to be active participants in our own journey. This means that, after asking for guidance, we must do our part by diligently seeking answers and solutions.
In everyday decisions, searching can mean researching, studying, listening to wise advice and striving to find the best solution. Searching involves patience and persistence. We often want quick and easy answers, but searching takes time and dedication.
For example, if you are in doubt about which career path to follow or how to improve a relationship, in addition to asking God, you should seek information, talk to experienced people, and do a self-analysis of your desires and capabilities. Seeking involves movement, both external and internal, and God promises that by seeking, you will find the answers.
Beat: be persevering in your decisions
The act of knocking symbolizes perseverance. The answer won't always come immediately or in the way we expect. Sometimes doors seem closed, but Matthew 7:7 encourages us to keep knocking until they open. In our daily decisions, this means not giving up when things become difficult or challenging.
Life is full of uncertainties, and we can often feel discouraged when solutions are slow to appear. However, Jesus' teaching reminds us that perseverance is an essential virtue. If you're looking for something important in your life - whether it's a new job opportunity, family reconciliation or a spiritual answer - keep knocking.
In practice, this means moving forward even when circumstances seem adverse. If a door closes, don't give up. Keep knocking on other doors, looking for alternatives and trusting that, in due course, the answer will come.
Applying Matthew 7:7 to small and big decisions
Now that we understand each part of the verse, how can we apply Matthew 7:7 in our daily lives? The key is to recognize that all decisions - big or small - can be guided by this teaching. By asking, seeking and knocking, you are trusting in a divine process and, at the same time, taking responsibility for your actions.
When you face a complex decision, such as changing careers or deciding whether or not to start a new project, remember these three steps. Ask God for wisdom. Seek out the information and resources you need to make the right choice. And above all, persevere, even when you encounter obstacles along the way.
In smaller decisions, such as how to deal with a colleague at work or the best way to use your time, apply the same formula. Prayer, seeking guidance and perseverance will help you find more clarity and tranquillity to act wisely.
Trust in the process and acceptance of the results
An important aspect of Matthew 7:7 is to trust the process and accept the results that come, even if they are not what we expected. Sometimes, when we ask for something, we expect a specific answer, but God, in His wisdom, offers us something different - and often better.
By following this teaching, we develop greater trust in God and learn to accept the outcomes he gives us. This acceptance brings peace, because we know that we have done our part by asking, seeking and knocking. What comes next is part of God's greater plan for us.
This doesn't mean that we shouldn't keep trying when something doesn't go according to plan, but rather that, by applying Matthew 7:7, we can rest in the certainty that, regardless of the outcome, God is in control.
The decision to trust: your greatest challenge and reward
In the end, applying Matthew 7:7 to daily decisions involves a constant exercise of trust and faith. Deciding to trust God is one of the greatest challenges, but also one of the greatest rewards of the spiritual life. By following the path of asking, seeking and knocking, you not only receive answers, but you also grow in your faith and in your ability to make wiser decisions.
This biblical teaching reminds us that God is always accessible and willing to help us, but that we also have an active role in our choices. With humility, action and perseverance, we can turn our daily decisions into moments of learning and spiritual growth, always guided by divine wisdom.
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October 15th, 2024
With much faith and positivity, she writes for the Oração e Fé daily, bringing messages and Divine teachings to everyone.