Devotionals

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When “No” Comes

Scripture: For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and punishes each one He accepts as His
child.
--Hebrews 12:6 (NLT)


As a counseling psychologist working with young people in court custody, many of these adolescents offenders report similar dreams. Their dreams involve being chased or sought for by law enforcement or a social welfare agency. Even though they are in state custody, they feel as though they are in bondage. They are angered as in their dreams they are never caught. More than half of the adolescents clients report such dreams in one form or another.

Psychologists interrupt this response as desires of these adolescents for guidance, direction and limits within their lives. In other words, they want supervision of adults who will love and care about them. Many people refer to this as discipline. To many, the thought, even the word “discipline” invokes a myriad of negative thought.

Like many troubled adolescents, persons measure their worth to their significant others (parents, teachers, coaches, spouses and so forth) by being denied instant gratification. When God says “no” to a person’s prayers does not mean God does not exist, not love us or is not listening. God’s “no” may mean: “wait,” “I have something better,” “be patient,” “what you want is not good for you.”

God knows exactly what you need. This does not always match what we want. So that immediately giving us what we want or not at all is God’s way of disciplining us. Discipline is necessary in life and actually strengthens one’s relationship between the said person and God if we are willing to submit to His unconditional love.

Prayer: Lord, grant me patience, insight and hope when you deny me of my wants. Help me
realize , Lord, it is because You love me unconditionally.

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