God is good, isn’t He?  He knows exactly what we need, exactly when we need it (Matthew 6:25-34).  This is something I’m still learning.  One of the things I’m working on is, when God says “no,” to stop pursuing whatever it is that He said “no” to.  It may not be a sin necessarily, but it’s just something that He knows is not good for me.

I was reminded of this in my devotions today.  I sometimes use my Bible as a shorthand journal, writing a quick date and a single sentence next to a verse.  Today, I stumbled upon a little note about a girl that I used to like years ago in the United states.  It basically said, “David, do not idolize her; she is not God.”  Wow…  I was being really blunt with myself.  That’s exactly what I needed to hear at the time though, ’cause I know I was idolizing her in my heart then.  She’s long gone, now.

I thank God that neither she nor another young woman now has that place in my heart that’s only supposed to be occupied by God.*  I can only imagine what would’ve happened if God allowed the two of us to be together permanently and that be the basis of our relationship.  I’m sure it would be devoid of real meaning.  When God says “No,” it’s for our good (Romans 8:28).

That place in my heart, reserved for the Lord, is another thing that Tozer talks about in his book.  I pray that God will help me continually sanctify that place only for Him.  What’s in your heart that you need to ask God to uproot so that He can have His rightful, exclusive place in your heart?  I’m glad when God says “No,” in my life to something that will attempt to take His place there.

So… all that to say, right now I’m thanking God for the times He simply says, “No.”

* I’m also glad to have her out of the way for the one God leads me to later, but that’s another story for another time.