thoughts out !oud

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‘If God says “No”, will I still be happy?’

Posted by Mathew | 18 July 08

I saw this question just this morning. I can’t say I know exactly what it is that it’s trying to say, but it did get me thinking a little. (Rare, I know ;) )

When weighing up such a question, I guess we need to consider the implied assumption(s) - if there is one or any. Once we have some idea as to the motivation for the question, we should then be able to best address it. But let’s start with the possible assumption.

The author of the question could be implying that only an affirmative from God will make them happy. (Don’t misunderstand - God is really the only person who can fulfill every deep-seated emotional, physical and spiritual need that a person can have.) Hence, the assumption here is that if God doesn’t answer their request the way they want Him to, they will be unhappy. It’s as if they believe God’s job-description entails making everyone happy - and that if one is unhappy, it’s because God has denied them something or someone.

Let’s get this straight - God is not in the business of making anyone happy. Pure and simple. He’s not here to serve our whims and fancies. He’s not, as someone else has phrased it, our ‘cosmic bell-boy’ where we need only jingle a bell and He comes running with hot-towels and a pamper-pack.

Christianity is not about making people happy or resolving all of their problems in this life - Jesus was pretty explicit in this regard:

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

We all have troubles. If through poor choices earlier in life you have addictions or failed relationships of some kind or are up to your eye-balls in debt and then become a Christian, your problems are not solved. (King David learnt this and understood it well.) They do not go away. Money doesn’t mysteriously appear in your bank account; you may still be hassled and harassed by past partners; addiction rehab doesn’t suddenly become easy. But look again at the above quotation by Jesus. Notice the beginning of what he says, and with how he ends.

‘So that in me you may have peace’. Though the world will assail you and the world seems intent on destroying you, trusting in Jesus will deliver you from anxiety into the hands of a great peace. What is more is that this peace that is offered exclusively through Jesus (it can come via no other), Jesus’ peace is one of great power. ‘But take heart!’ says Jesus. ‘I have overcome the world.’

This power is exclusive to Jesus by virtue of his bodily resurrection. And it is a promise that is extended inclusively to all peoples of the earth - to those who would trust and accept it. It is a promise that is offered to both me and to you. And it is a promise that we can benefit from right now. In the face of great personal tragedy, people who cling to Jesus typically have a greater clarity on their situation and because of that clarity and assurance, they have the peace that Jesus claims is in him.

Trust in Jesus. Know that God is Just - that He will not tolerate injustices and wickedness and evil and will deal harshly with it. Know also that God has His own timing - we need to have faith in Him to do what is right. And He will deliver.

If you are hurting and you are wondering where God is in all your suffering, I can only encourage you to seek Him out. If you are hurt that God hasn’t apparently answered a prayer or dealt with a situation in which you are particularly suffering, don’t despair, but find refuge in the peace that only can come through Jesus. Read the Sinner’s Prayer, pray it and take it to heart.

The peace of Jesus is for you. Hold on to it.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

The peace of Jesus is a beautiful gift who’s beauty is typically made manifest in our darkest hours - such is the wonder and majesty and love of our God and Creator.

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