Healthy "Nos"

When our children were little, I would often tell them "No". They would want to go play in the mud puddles. After I told them "No", I realized that I didn't mean it at all. It is fun to play in mud puddles. I didn't care if they got all wet and muddy. That is part of the fun. It was confusing for them. After I realized what I was doing, I was more conscious of my decisions.

Then there were times in my life when I would agree to do something for someone and later resent it because I really didn't want to. Often, time was an issue, or I just didn't want to. I just couldn't say "No." I was afraid to say "No." I wanted their approval. I thought I was being spiritual by helping everyone who asked. I thought I was pleasing God.

Proverbs 20:25 – An impulsive vow is a trap; later you'll wish you could get out of it. (MSG)

I am not such a people pleaser anymore, and I know being involved with everything isn't necessarily spiritual. I have learned to say "No" at appropriate times.

I think so often we jump on ahead of God's timing because someone asked us to do something. It may not necessarily be in God's plan for our lives right now. We need to wait for His leading, His timing, His "Yes" or "No".

Habakkuk 2:3 – These things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. (NLT)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we do want to serve You. We want to be pleasing to You. We long to be a blessing to others. But there are times, Lord, when we want to please people more than we want to please You. We want their approval. That approval is here and now. It is far more important to have Your approval. Help us to hear Your voice and do only the things that You want us to do. We may not hear approval from others, but that is okay. Deep in our hearts, we know we have followed You, and that is what counts. Thank You for living in us. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share this devotional on Facebook     Like PresbyCan on Facebook