When God Says No

CEBU, Philippines — I have been praying for some time that a form of financial windfall would happen for me and my children. God has not answered my prayer so far, but I am aware that He has reasons that’re known only to Him.

Instead of focusing on my petition and why it remains unanswered, I take comfort in acknowledging the other blessings in my life and the lives of my children.

In doing so, I’m reminded of this post that was shared by my lovely friend lawyer Gloria Gillamac Lastimosa titled “God Said No”.

It goes:

I asked God to take away my habit, God said, no. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up. I asked God to make my handicapped child whole, but God said, no. His spirit is whole, his body is temporary. I asked God to grant me patience. God said, no. Patience is a byproduct of tribulation; it isn’t granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness. God said, no. I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you. I asked God to spare me pain. God said, no. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me. I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, no. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, no. I gave you life so that you may enjoy all things. I asked God to help me love others as much as He loves me. God then said… Ahh, finally, you get the idea.

In a similar tone, the newspring website writes: God tells us no because He knows that there is something better for us.

In Isaiah 55, God makes a comforting statement to His people: As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts”.  God is telling you lose no hope.

He knows better than we do, and His “no” is always merciful, even when it hurts, He is fighting for us, fighting against what will keep us from Him (Romans 8:31). He knows our hearts can only be truly satisfied with Himself (John 4:14).

An article from Ebony magazine jots down some tips on how to cope when God says No to our prayers.

* Mourn the loss

When a “no” from God devastates you, it means you’re really invested in the thing that you asked for and did not get. Give yourself permission to feel that, whether alone or with your support system. Move on and don’t get stuck on it.

* Understands what God’s “No” means

The door that God opens, no man can close, and the door that He closes, no man can open. When you start to accept that closed door, and the fact that it will not be opening for you, a new understanding of who God is can start to take hold in your heart.

God’s “no” means “I do not want that for your life,” God’s “no” could have saved your life. The Lord says, “I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and the future.”

We cannot see what is coming, but we can trust that the God of this universe, who sees and knows all things- and most of all loves you – is looking out for what will make you your best and highest selves and what will give Him the most glory.

* Make a new plan

A solid “no” is the best because you no longer hope for that thing. A portion of your time, energy and resources just got freed up. Spend your time in communion with God, asking got guidance, clarity, and discernment for your future.

Modes of Rest

Sleeping may have long been synonymized with resting, but as researcher and physician Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith puts it in her book “Sacred Rest”, there’s more to resting than just turning down for the day.

Here are takes on the different modes of rest which, as Dr. Dalton-Smith suggests, should ideally be looked into for one to feel fully rested, refreshed and recharged.

Physical Rest

Sleep comes into play when one is physically exhausted, though breathing exercises and certain restorative yoga sessions are attributed to help resolve concerns pertaining to physical exhaustion.

Social Rest

Social rest doesn’t necessarily mean taking a break from socializing with others, as it entails spending time with people you are particularly comfortable with.

Socializing, after all, can get exhausting, especially for those who are innately driven and are constantly set on moving towards achieving their goals.

Mental Rest

Being mentally strained takes various forms, like in the way one’s thoughts become progressively more negative or dour after being at one’s workstation for hours.

A mental break can help you regroup and re-ground your bearings, which could entail simply walking away from your computer screen for a few minutes, or taking the time to stretch your legs.

Creative Rest

Creative individuals are very familiar with how “distracting oneself” can be beneficial in completing a creative work or project.

When one feels “creatively drained”, a short outdoor walk, listening to music or some light reading can take the pressure off in writing a short story or finishing a painting.

Spiritual Rest

Spiritual rest mainly entails seeking out things that ground you when you’re feeling unhinged and unanchored.

It could mean practicing the practices of your religion, but can also mean doing things that makes you feel enriched, like doing volunteer work or spending time with a good friend.

Emotional Rest

Akin to social rest, emotional rest entails offloading one’s emotions, sentiments and feelings to someone one is comfortable with.

Emotions tend to pile up during life-changing events like the death of a family member, and having a means to offload one’s feelings leads to better emotional health.

Sensory Rest

Sensory rest means taking a break from the regular “sensory inputs” one is subjected to. Staying off social media or taking a break from watching TV shows can help you reframe and refocus your senses, thereby leave you more refreshed and rested. — (FREEMAN)