Wicked wishes are something that few people own up to. Few stop to look at why they want what they want. However, people often complain about unanswered prayers. James 4:3-4 (KJV) sheds light on one of the reasons why the Lord sometimes denies your requests. We are told that the Lord says “no” when we ask “amiss.”
James 4:3-4 (KJV)
3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
We know generally what amiss means, but understanding fully requires knowing what this word means specifically.
Wicked Wishes
Wicked wishes come from evil hearts.
According to Strong’s Talking Greek and Hebrew Dictionary, the original Greek meaning of the word translated as “amiss” means physically or morally bad. Furthermore, it also means “diseased, grievously and miserably sick.” Why would the Lord grant a request that’s grievously and miserably sick?
It is important to not confuse the Lord with our co-dependent spouses, relatives and friends who grant wicked and diseased requests because they don’t see the consequences, or are too weak in character to refuse. God does not have character flaws. He is never co-dependent. He sees all consequences to every action you do, and he will chastise and correct you. He cares little for our temper tantrums and hissy fits, but His love for us is infinite, so He will act in accordance to His divine character and sovereignty.
Love Not the World
James 4:3 makes it plain that the disease that creeps into and corrupts our requests comes from allegiance to and adoption of worldly values. It is a contagion that comes from being intimate with the people and things of this world. In a sense, being in love with the things of this world is a type of spiritual venereal disease.
The Holy Spirit is the antidote for this sickness. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we get the discernment necessary to see sin-sickness for what it is. It is the power of God working in our minds and hearts that give us a sincere and urgent longing for oneness with the Father. It empowers us to want to know the Lord like the deer that pants for the water-brook.
Are Wicked Wishes in Your Heart?
Examine your heart, today. Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions. Here are some questions you can ask yourself:
- “Do the things of God leave me cold?”
- “Do I think you can do without prayer and Bible study?”
- “Who are my friends?”
- “What do I read?”
- “What are my surfing patterns on the Internet?”
- “What words come out of my mouth?”
- “What and who do I think of most often?”
To be sure, you are the only one who knows the answers to these questions. Be aware that the answers you give will tell if the world has contaminated you and your heart’s desires. So, if it seems like the Heaven has ears made of brass, you know why. The good news is: The Lord can change your heart, so that it doesn’t make wicked wishes.. James 4:6-10 (ASV) describes the purification process:
“Wherefore the scripture saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. 7 Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall exalt you.”
How to Not Pray Amiss
The steps for avoiding a world-contaminated heart and its wicked wishes are plain. Be humble. Subject yourself to God. Resist the devil. Draw near to God. Clean your hands and purify your hearts. These things are impossible to do on your own. But, with God’s help, it can happen.
Don’t forget to bless the name of the Lord. Be a blessing to someone today.
Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)
Verneda
© 2012 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.
Updated July 10, 2016
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