When God Says No

In this compassionate and practical message based on 2 Samuel 7, Chuck Swindoll addresses the profound disappointment believers face when God refuses a noble desire or godly ambition. The sermon finds King David during a rare "interlude" of peace—rest from his enemies and harmony in his home. In this quiet moment, David resolves to build a permanent temple for the Ark of God, feeling guilty that he dwells in a house of cedar while God dwells in a tent. Swindoll notes that while David’s motive was pure and his friend Nathan initially encouraged him, God interrupted the plan with a firm "No." God explains that David is a warrior, not a builder, and that the task is reserved for his son, Solomon. Swindoll emphasizes a crucial theological distinction: God’s refusal was not rejection or discipline for sin; it was redirection. God affirmed that David "did well" to have the desire in his heart, even though he was not the instrument chosen to fulfill it. The message explores how to handle "broken dreams" without becoming bitter. Swindoll points to David’s reaction—sitting before the Lord in humble gratitude—as the model response. Rather than sulking, David spent his remaining years gathering materials (stone, iron, and cedar) to ensure Solomon’s success. The sermon concludes by challenging listeners to support the "Solomons" in their lives, accepting that while we may not build the temple, we can provide the nails and wood for those who will.

Message Key Facts:

• Redirection, Not Rejection: Swindoll argues that when God says "No" to a prayerful desire, we often assume we have sinned or are out of God's will. However, using 2 Chronicles 6, he clarifies that God often commends the intent ("You did well that it was in your heart") while denying the request [19–20].
• The Danger of "Good" Advice: When David first shared his plan, Nathan the prophet immediately said, "Go, do all that is in your mind, for the Lord is with you." Swindoll highlights that even godly counselors can be wrong when they rely on logic rather than specific revelation. God had to correct Nathan that very night.
• The "Gift of Listening": Swindoll shares a humorous story about a seminary student who was convinced he was called to preach despite having no aptitude for it. His professor gently told him, "Maybe you have the gift of preaching, but no one has the gift of listening to you," illustrating that we sometimes mistake our own desires for God's voice.
• David’s Posture of Acceptance: Upon hearing God’s refusal, 2 Samuel 7:18 records that David "went in and sat before the Lord." He did not stand and argue or pace in frustration; he sat like a child, asking, "Who am I, O Lord God?".
• Supporting the Successor: David demonstrated his lack of jealousy by preparing "large quantities" of materials for Solomon. Swindoll applies this to parents and leaders, noting that it takes a secure person to support a child or successor who achieves the dream the parent was denied.
• The "Plugged in for Life" Illustration: Swindoll tells the story of Dr. Richard Sumi, a pastor whose career was cut short by kidney disease. Instead of becoming bitter over his broken dream, he used his remaining strength to mentor students, pouring his life into "hands not already full".
• A Father’s Love involves Taking: Swindoll quotes the hymn Children of the Heavenly Father: "What He takes or what He gives us shows the Father's love so precious." He argues that God’s love is often expressed by taking away things that do not fit His ultimate plan for our purity.

Message References:

• 2 Samuel 7:1–3: David’s desire to build a house for God during a time of rest.
• 2 Samuel 7:4–5, 12–13: God’s refusal of David’s offer and the promise that his descendant (Solomon) will build the house.
• 1 Chronicles 17:3–4: The parallel account of God speaking to Nathan in the night.
• 2 Chronicles 6:7–9: God’s affirmation of David’s motive: "You did well that it was in your heart... nevertheless you shall not build the house."
• 2 Samuel 7:18: David’s response: "Then David the king went in and sat before the Lord."
• 1 Chronicles 22:2–5: David’s active preparation of iron, stone, and timber to help Solomon succeed.
• Psalm 37:4 (Implied): "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Referenced in the context of aligning desires with God's will).

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll