Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 

~Matthew 7:7-8 NIV

With the coming of spring, green grass emerged in our corral once more, and we stopped feeding hay to the livestock. It was time for them to forage for themselves again. Over the winter, they had become used to standing by their feeding tubs awaiting our arrival each morning to toss them hay. Now that spring had arrived, they showed their displeasure. They raised discordant voices, hoping we would soon appear and remedy the issue by feeding them.

How like people, I thought, as I listened to their plaintive cries. So often, we too want to be fed by our pastor, Bible study leaders, television evangelists, and the like. This is much easier than foraging for spiritual food ourselves.

Yet, when we feast on the words and thoughts of others, no matter how learned or wise they are, we miss out on the work of the Holy Spirit. He seeks to show us the depths of truth in Scripture that God has especially chosen for us to embrace amid the situations in our own lives.

Through reading and searching God’s Word for ourselves, we learn to ask, seek, and knock repeatedly at God’s door to understand Scripture’s meaning. Sometimes I have found it takes me years and a multitude of readings and rereadings of a passage before my eyes are suddenly opened to truths that had always been there. I just had not been mature enough, or perhaps ready, to see, understand, and apply them. What a thrill when this happens. It keeps me asking, seeking, and knocking for even more morsels of soul-satisfying wisdom.

If it’s been a while since you foraged amidst the Scriptures, take some time to feed on God’s Word. Remember that God will reward your asking, seeking, and knocking. He has said that everyone who asks receives. Additionally, the one who seeks finds, and the one who knocks will see an open door.

Whatever the issue, take it to God in prayer. 

Father God, grant me enthusiasm and motivation to habitually forage and search Your Word. Then, bless me with new insights and truths to mature my spirit.  In Christ’s name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2026: The Issue: Lynne Phipps: All Rights Reserved.