It’s everyone’s least favorite word. Astonishingly it’s the same letters and basic sound in multiple languages across the world. I’m talking about the word “no.” Did you cringe a little just reading it? No one in his or her right mind wants to hear that word. You won’t find many people seeking out opportunities or chances to be told, “Nope, not going to happen.” We all want a “yes,” it’s practically programmed into us. “No” is a negative, dirty word, and “Yes” is an open door to everything we’ve hoped and dreamed of. We want to receive positive responses to a raise, a promotion, a new relationship, inviting friends on a trip, or to the latest wacky idea you present to your significant other. Even in times when we claim we’re just “throwing it out there” for feedback, we know deep down we want agreement.
I honestly don’t know where we get this from, because the first time in our lives that we are introduced to this word it’s typically in correction or protection which are both rooted in love. You go to grab a hot stove as a child and you will hear, “No!” You try to eat, drink, or touch something that will be harmful to you, get prepared for your little hand to be tapped, or for your mama or daddy to raise their voice to get your attention. Why is it that as adults when we hear the word, it causes us to be upset? God is the One who loved us so much that He gave His most precious gift in His Son (John 3:16). He didn’t just send us a Savior, a Kinsman Redeemer, but He also doubles as our Heavenly Father. Now view God through the lens of your mother or father who reprimanded you when you did something wrong, or protected you from getting into something your immature mind couldn’t fully understand. That’s exactly what He constantly does for us! I don’t know if it will fully change the knee-jerk reaction we have when no is the answer instead of yes, but it certainly should. When God, who is the epitome of love, says “No” it is never to harm and always to help. Let Him be your Father. Leading you, guiding you, correcting you, protecting you, and loving you, just as that attentive parent did, enough to yell, “No!” when you are going astray. Surrender to His will, His way, His timing, and His direction. I didn’t die because my parents told me no sometimes, as a matter of fact their protection kept me here and made me the person I am today. I also didn’t die because God told me no sometimes, as a matter of fact His protection kept me here and made me the person I am today.
Photo Credit: ID 67178176 © Voyagerix | Dreamstime
