Psalm 37:3-4
“Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

As we all eat up the last of the turkey and pie out of the fridge and try to fit back into our skinny jeans, I couldn’t help but reflect on this past week. I am so grateful for the time my family and I spent in Wisconsin with loved ones. As my boys made memories with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins I was quickly reminded of all I have to be thankful for and the countless blessings in my life. However, as I thought about how blessed I am by the people and provision God has placed in my life, a line written by T.D Jakes kept coming to mind.

In his book, Destiny, Jakes made the comment, “God knows that a blessing given too soon is not a blessing at all.” As I considered this statement, I couldn’t help but think of all the things over the past few years in my life to which God has said “No,” or “Not yet.”

I’m guessing many of you can relate. What are those things in your life God has said, “No,” or “Not yet” to? As you ponder those things, what emotions come to the surface? Perhaps disappointment, disillusionment, discouragement, or maybe even depression?

Maybe you feel like you are the only one to whom God denies a request. Sometimes it feels that way, especially when we look from an outward perspective at the lives of those around us. However, when we survey the Bible we can readily point to numerous examples of God’s delayed response to those He loves.

To Abraham and Sarah as they longed for a child – not yet. To Moses as he led the Israelites to the promised land -not yet. To Joseph as he dreamed of being a person of power – not yet. To David after he had been anointed to become king – not yet.

Further, as we think of David’s desire to build the temple – a God-honoring pursuit no less – God said “No.” That was a task He had planned for David’s son Solomon.

As we contemplate these examples in light of T.D Jakes’ comment, we can better understand that when God says, “No,” or “Not yet,” we need to trust that He has our best and His glory in mind. God knows just what is needed to protect us, to provide something better in light of His eternal purposes, or to better prepare us for what He has in store. When we understand why God answers this way, we can then begin to say, “Thank you” for all of the blessings not yet given. We can trust in God, knowing He will align our heart’s desire with His and ultimately give us His very best blessings – all in His perfect timing.

As you again reflect on those things to which God has told you “No,” or “Not Yet” how can you thank Him today for knowing what is best and that a blessing given too soon is not a blessing at all?