“The Lord is good to all, and His mercies are over all His works” (Psalm 145:9).
Not everything we desire is, in fact, good for us. Many times, we ask for things that, in our eyes, seem like blessings, but that would bring us sadness, stumbling, or even destruction. That is why, when God denies a request, it is not a sign of rejection—it is a sign of love. The same love that leads Him to grant what is good also moves Him to refuse what is harmful. If our desires were granted without any filter, our lives would be filled with bitter consequences.
The wonderful Law of God is the perfect filter for our longings. It teaches us what we should seek and what we should avoid. The sublime commandments given to the prophets of the Old Testament and to Jesus shape our desires and tune our will to that of the Father. As we obey, we learn to trust, even in the negatives, and we understand that God’s silence is often His most loving voice.
Trust in the Lord, even when He says “no.” The Father blesses and sends the obedient to the Son for forgiveness and salvation. Let the extraordinary commandments of the Most High guide your requests and desires. Obedience brings us blessings, deliverance, and salvation—and prepares us to give thanks both for the doors He opens and for those He closes. -Adapted from Henry Edward Manning. See you tomorrow, if the Lord allows.
Pray with me: Loving Father, help me to trust in You not only when I receive what I ask, but also when You, in Your wisdom, decide to deny.
Teach me to align my desires with Your magnificent commandments. May Your Law shape me completely, so that I desire only what pleases You.
Oh, my God, I thank You because You love me so much that even Your denials are protection for me. Your beloved Son is my eternal Prince and Savior. Your powerful Law is like a divine filter that purifies my requests. Your commandments are like secure walls that prevent my soul from running after what would harm me. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.
