As today’s verse says, “If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you” (James 1:5 TLB).

Why do we have to ask before he answers? Because our relationship with God begins with faith. He doesn’t force things on us. He invites us into a relationship with him. So we ask.

Now I have to say, too many times I forget to ask. If you’re like me, you’re just rushing through your day doing this, doing that, assuming it’s going to be okay. But you need to just stop once in a while and say, “God, I ask you, what is your direction?” He will gladly tell you.

And how does he tell you? An answer will usually come through one of two main ways: through people that are following him and through his Word. Get together with a few people who you know seek after God, and ask them for their opinion. Look in their eyes, and get an honest answer. And, turn to God’s Word. Ask him, “God, what do you have to say about this?”

Some people think God is not interested in our relationships. After all, he’s got a universe to keep going. But he is interested. He made you! The Bible says, “But be sure in deciding these matters that you are living as God intended, marrying or not marrying in accordance with God’s direction and help, and accepting whatever situation God has put you into” (1 Corinthians 7:17).

I understand the hurts that can exist in some relationships, but the incredible promise of God’s Word is that he can bring beauty into any relationship—not perfection, but he can bring beauty. Both people in the relationship have to agree, and it will take some struggle to get there. But to give up is nowhere in the plan or purpose of God. That’s why you have to go to him for direction and guidance.