When God Says Don't

I heard someone say, “When God says don’t, He’s saying don’t hurt yourself.” I wonder how many of us really believe that. When we really want to do something and God says, “No,” it seems like He is being too restrictive. It seems like He is being selfish, unreasonable, or uncaring. And this is why sin is so attractive and tempting. But if we trust God, and believe He is saying, “Don’t hurt yourself,” when He says, “Don’t”, then it will be easier to resist and overcome temptation.

Trusting God’s decisions about what is right and wrong, good and evil, is fully dependent on trusting Him. If we don’t trust God, that He completely loves and cares for us, then we won’t trust what He says. If we don’t trust that God loves and cares for us more than anyone else ever has, does, or will, we will be tempted to, and probably will, give in to what others say is right and wrong, good and evil.

This is why the Bible, not only tells us that our omniscient Creator God alone has the ability and wisdom to always know what is best for us, but Scripture also goes out of its way to show that God truly loves and cares for us. Faith is to be more than just the acceptance of information and laws that seem good for us. Faith is to be trust in God Himself that assures us that what He tells us is what is best for us and are best for His purposes and glory.

“…we know that all things work together for good for those who love God…” Romans 8:28

“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32

“…casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” 1 Peter 5:6-7

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…” James 1:17

“…the peace of God… will guard your hearts and minds…” Philippians 4:6-7

There is reason to trust God. It is reasonable to trust that what God says is for our good – now and in eternity. And that means that when God says, “Don’t,” He’s saying, “Don’t hurt yourself!” Let’s trust God and show that trust by listening when He says, “Don’t!”                   dd