Why Does God Say No? Trusting God When He Says No
Why does God say no? It is so hard sometimes to ask God for something, only to get the answer “no” in return. Discover some reasons why God says no and how to start trusting Him when God says no in this article.
If you are reading this, more than likely God said no to you recently or sometime in the past. And it probably hurt. You are probably asking, “Why? Why did God say no?”
Well, you are not alone. Sometimes God says no, and sometimes it hurts.
I’ve asked for things with real intent, believing it was right and that I would get it, and God said no. It was brutal, so I decided to figure out: why does God say no?
In this article, I will share how to know what God is saying, the reasons why God says no, and what to do when God says no to you. Hopefully it will provide you with some answers and some peace.
How to Know What God is Saying
First off, you need to learn how God speaks directly to you before you can determine whether he is truly saying no or yes.
It is different for everyone, and it should be! God is a personal God so how He speaks to someone will depend on what they need.
For me, I find answers to prayers through scriptures that I read, a small voice inside my head, feeling peace through my entire body, and a few other ways.
Sometimes I will simply hear a “yes” or “no” in my head to while other times it will be quotes I’ve read or scriptures that instantly pop up into my head.
Try your best to figure out how God speaks to you before you try to understand the answer He gives you. It makes all the difference so you don’t have to wonder, “Was that really God or just all in my head?”
Examples of When God Says No in Scriptures
You will find a few examples in the scriptures when God says no.
David
God says no to David and his desire was totally righteous! He wanted to provide a better place for Ark of the Covenant for God.
God’s response is found in 1 Chronicles 17:3-4 NIV: “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord says: You are not the one to build me a house to dwell in.”
He wants to build God a temple and God says no. How did David react?
2 Samuel 7:18-22 NIV: “Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? . . . How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.”
Habakkuk
Habakkuk called out to God and asked for something that he was denied. In Habakkuk 1 NIV it reads,
“How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save?”
Further along we read God’s answer, “Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.”
How did Habakkuk react?
Habakkuk 2:1 NLT shares, “I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guard post. There I will wait to see what the Lord says and how he will answer my complaint.”
Reasons Why God Says No
There are a few reasons why God say no. Here are some reasons I came up with:
God is Protecting You
When God says no He is protecting you from something that can potentially do a lot of damage.
It may be hard to accept, but he does see it all. He knows the beginning and the end. He knows what will happen and will protect you as best as He can.
Sometimes that means He will tell you no.
Something Better is Coming
Another reason why God might say no is because He has something way better planned for you. You may think you have the best possible plan ever, but He knows best.
If you are really struggling with your answer, try to trust God and remember that He might have something better for you coming soon.
God Knows More Than You
God’s motivation to say no is because He does in fact know more than you do. You may think you are wanting something that is honest, pure, and true, but it still doesn’t mean it is the right thing for you at this time.
I wanted to serve a mission for my church and prepared to do so. I did all the paperwork required and throughout the entire process, every time I prayed and fasted, I felt like God was telling me this was the right path for me.
However, after I submitted the paperwork, I got my first major “no” answer. I was not supposed to go on a mission anymore.
It threw me for a loop. I thought He told me yes and now He is telling me no? It didn’t make sense; at least, not at the time.
It felt like the right choice and a very honorable path for me, but God told me no.
Not only a couple days later, my boyfriend proposed and 6 months later, we were married.
God knew I needed to be married to my best friend instead of go on a mission. We started having kids and this is my mission in life.
Now I am so happy that God told me no!
God’s in Control
In the end, God is in control. Like we mentioned earlier, He knows best and will help you make the best decisions for your life.
If something isn’t right, He does help you along the path.
God’s Divine Timing
Ultimately, God has perfect timing. His timing is divine and will make everything make sense.
It might not seem like the timing you want or think you need, but in the end, it always will be. Trust His timing.
Trusting God When He Says No
So what do you do when God says no or wait? Here are a few tips on how to let go when God says no and how to trust Him:
Trust God’s Timing: It is not easy but sometimes God says no and that is okay! Remember He is in control and will give you the best that you deserve.
Make a List: Make a possible reasons why He would say no to you. Sometimes that helps you see a better, different path. Or it will at least give you some peace.
Enjoy More Bible Study: To help you trust that God is in control, take time to study His words. It will help you find the answers you are seeking.
Here are a few great bible verses to study:
Prayer for Trusting God
Here is a simple prayer about trusting God when He tells you no:
“God, I want to stand firm and trust You, but sometimes trusting You is hard. I want to be unshakable and resilient, but I have a hard time letting go and letting you take control, especially when You told me no. I need help releasing my control to You. Help me grow in my faith and trust in You. Thank you for loving me and taking care of me. I honor and accept your help. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.”
When God Says No Verse
When God says no, try reading these verses:
Isaiah 55:9 KJV: “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Philippians 4:19 NIV: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Habakkuk 2:1 NIV: “I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.”
Psalms 84:11 NKJV: “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.”
Why Does God Say No Wrap-Up
Hopefully now you no more to why God says no and how to trust Him when He tells you no.
Remember, everything will work out. Take time to honor your feelings. It is okay to be upset about your answer. Once you honor your emotions, then you can move forward, continuing in trust in God!
Listen to these powerful Christian songs about mental illness to further comfort you.
