James 1:7

Not that man. The expression “that man” is emphatic and slightly contemptuous. It represents the man whose allegiance wavers, who is not sure of the things he himself needs or of God’s sufficiency for meeting them. Such a person may pray, but having no genuine faith he is not in a fit frame of mind to receive an answer (see on John 4:48). God must delay answers to our requests until we are ready to exercise unquestioning faith.

Think that he shall receive. James informs the one who wavers not to expect an answer. Indecision is sufficient in itself to defeat God’s gracious purpose for the one who wavers, for if God sees best to deny his request, the forthcoming disappointment would only strengthen his tendency to doubt.

Any thing of the Lord. This refers to specific favors, for all men receive those temporal blessings that God daily bestows. See on Matt. 5:45. The special blessings, which would be available to him if he asked in faith, are denied to him because of wavering trust. However, we must not infer that God delays His answers until we have earned the right to have our prayers answered. No man deserves favors from God. Our only plea is our need and our only hope is in His mercy, which leads Him to give to “all men liberally” (v. 5).

But God does not give gifts indiscriminately. He cannot comply with requests that would further pride and selfishness and hinder the development of character. We must realize our own utter helplessness and our need of unswerving trust in the promises of God. Strength of character is the result of modifying our desires and aspirations to conform to the wisdom and will of God, not of attempting to bend His will to meet ours.