Finding Contentment When God Says No

All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast. Proverbs 15:15

King David had the noblest of tasks in mind. He wanted to glorify God by building a temple in Jerusalem (see 2 Samuel 7). However, David received a clear no from God. David could have sulked and claimed that he served an oppressive God who refused to give him the desires of his heart. Instead, David sought God’s heart on the matter, receiving divine redirection with humility and contentment.

Have you had your heart set on something you firmly believed was a godly goal? Maybe it was missionary service, a husband, children, or a platform through which you could honor God. Then God said no. How did you react? Did you run from God in disappointment and bitterness or did you run to God for comfort and insight? Your choice would have made all the difference in how open your heart is to God right now.

A dear friend, Beth, discovered that the second of her precious daughters had special needs. At that moment she felt God say no to many of her motherly dreams for that little girl. Beth loved the Lord and sincerely believed she came to terms with her daughter’s challenges. She faced life with a dry wit. However, she struggled with underlying feelings of frustration and wretchedness. One day she realized that her bitterness flowed from her constant wish that her daughter’s condition had been otherwise. Her joy in the present was being stifled by the “what ifs” that would never come to be.

From that point, Beth made the conscious choice to accept God’s plan. She would not allow discontented thoughts to capture her heart anymore. Instead she focused on the Lord’s kindness and wisdom. She knew God does not waste a life He has given. Her eyes became open to the sensitivity and compassion this girl’s needs were drawing out of her family and out of friends in their church.

Because this younger sister grieved over never attending the prom at school, Beth’s older daughter became instrumental in developing a “Joy Prom” at our church for all the special young adults in the city. This particular ministry drew upon Jesus’ words in Luke 14:13-14. Each special guest was welcomed as royalty and given an escort from among church volunteers who facilitated participation in everything. From this ministry, a vibrant “Joy Class” of challenged young adults now worships Jesus at the church. From this ministry, an entire congregation’s heart has been enlarged. From this ministry, God has been glorified in the community.

Yield your plans to God. If He redirects, trust His heart more than you do your own. Each day you will discover a reason to feast on His goodness.

Dear Lord, I confess I have held bitter feelings against You about the circumstances of my life. Please forgive me. I want to deepen my contentment in Your will. Open my eyes to Your wise and good plans for me. Amen.