God of "Yes" as well as "No"

There's a prayer that I've been repeating a lot lately.

God, help me to be thankful for all the times you've said "No" as readily as I am thankful for every time you say "Yes."

It's a discipline.  It's a developed response to the natural grumbling of my heart.  To the natural distrust of my flesh.  To the serpent in the Garden, "Did God really say ... ?"

On the good days, I'm certain.  I'm confident.  I know.  I believe without hesitation that God is good.  That every "No" (especially to what looks good and pleasing in my eyes) has provided opportunity for Him to say "Yes" to something better, something good, pleasing and perfect in His eyes.

Then there are days like today.  Today is a whiny, grumbling, spiritual temper tantrum sort of day.  Today is a day full of doubt and questions, of second-guessing.  "God, I could have written this story so much better."  That's what my flesh is stomping up and down to say. Today is a day when the way He's clearly pointed is not the way I want to go, and I do not feel sure He's going to actually make something beautiful out of the ashes I've offered Him.  There's stuff laying on the altar that I'd really rather not leave there, stuff to which I'd rather cling.

The great thing is, my attitude doesn't change the facts.  No matter how I feel about it, today is still grace.  There is goodness in the "No", in the sacrifice of good for best, and in the call to wait and trust.

I am whiny some of the time ... God is good all of the time.