Keep Asking, Keep Seeking

1. The Foundation

We turn to the Gospel of Matthew to discover a profound invitation from our Lord Himself: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7, NIV). This scripture embodies the relentless pursuit of God's presence and His promises, embedded in the lyrics of the song "Keep Asking, Keep Seeking."

2. The Historical & Biblical Context

When Jesus spoke these words, He was delivering the Sermon on the Mount. This teaching was revolutionary, delivered to a diverse audience comprising His disciples and a multitude of listeners, both Jew and Gentile. The audience was familiar with the ritualistic and legalistic traditions of the Pharisees, and into this context, Jesus injected a fresh, personal approach to communion with God, suggesting a dynamic relationship where persistence and faith are key.

The verses fit within Jesus' discourse on the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven, where He reveals the nature of God as a loving Father who is approachable, and desires a continuous interaction with His children.

3. Word Study (Hebrew/Greek)

Let us consider the Greek word for "ask," which is αἰτέω (aiteó). It means more than a simple request. It implies an earnest craving or desire, expressed in faith. This isn't a passive action but an active, ongoing, and expectant declaration towards God.

Another word of significance is "seek" from the Greek ζητέω (zēteō). It denotes not just searching, but a diligent and determined quest. This adds an urgency and intensity to finding God and His purposes.

Understanding these nuances challenges us to engage with God earnestly and persistently in our prayers, aligning perfectly with the ethos of the song.

4. Theological Exposition

This song reflects a universal truth cemented in scripture: the promise that God responds to our relentless pursuit of Him. Let's examine the themes:

A. The Promise of Response

Repeatedly, the song repeats: "For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." This assurance echoes throughout the scriptures. James 4:2-3 speaks to the necessity of asking—and asking with the right motives. Jesus again highlights this in John 16:24 as He invites His disciples to ask in His name so their joy may be complete.

B. God's Fatherhood

The song likens God's goodness to that of earthly fathers, "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?" It draws from Luke 11:11-13, further establishing God's superior benevolent nature. Psalm 103:13 tells us, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him."

C. The Gift of the Holy Spirit

Ultimately, the song culminates in a powerful promise: “how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.” This aligns with John 14:16-17, where Jesus assures that the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, will dwell with and be in the believer. The Holy Spirit encompasses the fullness of God’s presence and power in our lives.

5. Practical Application: How to Walk This Out

"Keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking." This is not merely a call; this is a divine strategy. To walk this truth out, we must adopt certain concrete steps:

1. Cultivate Earnest Prayer: Create moments of intentional prayer, where we don't just present requests but also genuinely seek God’s heart and wisdom.

2. Persevere in Faith: Develop a discipline of persistent, unwavering faith. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

3. Yield to the Holy Spirit: As we ask for the Holy Spirit, we must also yield ourselves. This involves daily surrendering our will, echoing Romans 12:1-2, offering ourselves as living sacrifices.

4. Align with the Will of God: Our requests should be birthed from a desire to align with His divine purposes (1 John 5:14-15). This ensures that our “asking” is not rooted in selfish ambition but kingdom focus.

6. A Proclamation & Prayer

Proclamation:

"I proclaim today the truth of God's Word: As I ask, it will be given to me; as I seek, I will find; as I knock, doors will be opened. I believe my Father in heaven desires to give me good gifts, even His Holy Spirit. Therefore, I approach His throne of grace with confidence and persistence."

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your faithfulness and Your promise to respond to those who diligently seek You. I ask for Your Holy Spirit to fill my heart afresh, guiding me in all truth and empowering me to live in accordance with Your will. In Jesus' Name, Amen.