Being specific about what we want is powerful. Why? Because God works to directly meet our needs and longs for intimate union with us. If a poor man cries out he is poor, people may have compassion but they are more circumscribed on how they can help him without specific knowledge about his needs. Alternatively, if that man shares that he is hungry and needs food, then a compassionate person now has more knowledge and power to aid him. The difference here is that the supplicant is being very specific. There is power in being clear about what you want. It gives others and God the power to help. It opens the door to a viable solution. A great example is found when Jesus heals Bartimaeus, “Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.” (Mark 10:46-52) The healing received by Bartimaeus is the direct result of his faith, which is tied to him being direct, honest and specific about his desire to see again. On the other hand, being vague and unclear will not help bring us to close union and intimacy with God. This is why drunkenness and other stimulants that numb our minds is sinful. It separates us from communicating with God because clarity is sacrificed for deadening the flesh, drugging the flesh from feeling our true feelings (Ephesians 5:14-20).
The Power of Clarity
