When God says, “No.”

I’ve had many a wrestling with the Lord over my life with Him. I’ve been blessed with many a “Yes” but I’ve also seen my fair share of His “No’s.”

This week I found myself having to speak to my heart yet again, “Be silent. “

The heart is a complicated beast and it hates to be tamed. It wants what it wants and will do whatever it takes to get it.

You and I must be so cautious of our hearts. It is not what you want to follow. It will often steer you wrong.

Follow the Shepherd.

Within the human heart are inner needs and longings that are constantly reaching to be met. It is deceptive and wicked above all things…

I’ve had to practice moments with God that look like this: “Lord, did you see that?” A misguided feeling or emotion will raise its hidden head to have a say in a matter which pulls God near to begin an unexpected, and sudden, work.

I’ve had to whisper, “Lord, it’s still there, did you see that?”

The pain, the grief, the memory of abandonment seasons will pass right through the heart once again and attempt to have a voice in a matter until I firmly command it to “hush” in Jesus name.

Our heart response can be in hidden motives or agendas we don’t even realize are influenced by the human heart rather than God. Staying aware and honest helps us walk uprightly before the Lord who longs to aid us in our healing and heart postures.

When God says “No” I must remember He is still the boss of me.

Kind and good.

Safe and secure.

Holy and right.

Trustworthy.

Lord and King.

The only Master to which I serve.

When your heart wants to holler a resounding, Yes,” sometimes you’ll hear God whisper a gentle, yet firm, “No.”

And “No” is a full sentence.