Exodus 17  Once again the 600,000 Israelites start grumbling at Moses.  Water is needed.  Once again they complain and quarrel and want to return to wretched Egypt instead of asking the Lord !
Moses cries out to the Lord and is told to go strike the rock at Horeb.  When he does water is supplied.

James wrote, " What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. And you are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel.  You do not have because you do not ask.
You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures." ( James 4:1-3)  

We are like the Israelites and the Christians that James was writing to.  We want what we want.  And we want it now.  We know that God knows that we need water.  It could even be said that it is God's will that we have water. ( or whatever)  Right?  So, what is so hard about asking?  We are so prideful and stubborn!

James has a few suggestions for us:
v7 - Submit to God
Resist the devil.
v8 Draw near to God
Cleanse your hands of sin
Purify your heart -start thinking pure thoughts only!
v9 Be miserable and mourn over your sinful attitude
v10 "Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you."
v17 Do right.

Over and over again the Israelites grumbled and complained.  Over and over again, our patient Father teaches them to trust Him.   Over and over again we need to be reminded of this same thing.
Ask for what you need.  But, do it in submission to Him.  Draw near to Him.  Humble yourself before Him.  Come with pure hands and pure hearts, living in obedience to the Lord's commands.
Then wait for His provision for your every need.  For His will is to provide.

Thank You Father, for Your great grace!
Amen