Deuteronomy 3:25,26
25‘Let me, I pray, cross over and see the fair land that is beyond the Jordan, that good hill country and Lebanon.’ 26“But the LORD was angry with me on your account, and would not listen to me; and the LORD said to me, ‘Enough! Speak to Me no more of this matter.'”
God loves us more than we could ever know. We can spend a lifetime ignoring Him and He still tries to reach us. Our ancestors sinned and He spends thousands of years unfolding a plan to redeem us. At the plans culmination we learn He sends His Son as the ultimate sacrifice. No greater love has a man than He lay down His life for His friends, John 15:13.
We have a misconception of love. We often default to the spoiling grandparent who gives a child everything that’s wanted. God is more like a parent. He does want to bless us with cool stuff. He does it already. Everyone, even the nonreligious person gets all the general blessings. Those are the blessings of health, music, relationships, food, etc.. God wants to give us even more, but given more responsibly.
As I think of Psalm 23, there’s “surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”. That’s full of the glow of God’s pleased face towards us. And “I shall not want”. He gives us all that we need. And “He prepareth a table before me in the presence of my enemies”. He blesses us with honor in our lives. He also blesses as He teaches us to give. He promises to give us returns that are multiplied many times over.
Just as a parent says “no” at times, God does as well. Responsibility requires it. “No” can be the best thing for us. “No” is another expression of His care for us.
The “no’s” are difficult when they don’t make sense. We may be praying for the health of a loved one. A friend of mine passed away who had a 14 year old daughter. His prayer was that he could live long enough until she had gotten out of high school. It didn’t happen. While no one understands that, we need to submit our questions and sorrowful heart to God. That’s faith.
Lord, thank You for all Your blessings. From You, even “no’s” are good. Help us to rest in Your wisdom and love.