Has there ever been something that you wanted to have or achieve? A specific dream that pushed you to wake up every morning and stole away your sleep at night? Maybe you didn’t just sit around talking about your dream while holding your chin in your hand but instead put your hands to work, and it felt so good.

You were so sure that this was it.

Even though God is the biggest dreamer there is, even though He delights Himself when He sees His children dream big, and even though His heart melts when He sees His children willing to work hard so that they achieve their dreams, the answer is not always a YES.

Has that ever happened to you? How did you feel when God said NO?

Just because the answer is no, it does not necessarily mean that it was wrong to dream it in the first place.

Take David, for instance. He was a powerful and wealthy King who had a burning desire to build the most magnificent temple for God. He couldn’t stand the thought of God dwelling in a tent while He comfortably lived in a luxurious palace (2 Sam 7:2).

His dream was good; it was a selfless dream. He was eager to get started on the most important project of his life, which he held close to his heart.

A “YES” from God was all David was waiting for.  However, instead of a YES, he got a NO. (1 Chronicles 28:3)

This time, God chose to explain to David why the answer was a NO. However, God doesn’t always choose to explain Himself. He’s not required to.

Most of us have, at some point, experienced God’s “no” in some way or another. If you are in shock after receiving a no and don’t know how to feel or what to do next, read on.

Here are 5 things King David did that you can do too, whenever the answer from God is a NO:

Be grateful (2 Sam. 7:18)

What? Too soon? I know it’s usually challenging to be grateful after a NO. Regardless, take a moment to look in the rear-view mirror. Be thankful for the things that God has already helped you obtain and has already helped you accomplish. When we are one hundred percent certain that God’s intentions toward us are only the best and that heaven itself is wholly invested in our welfare, then, even if the answer turns out to be a solid no, our hearts will be so filled with gratitude that there will be less room for disappointment.

Worship God (2 Sam. 7:22)

Worship Him because of His greatness, because of His wisdom, and because of His mercies.  Worship Him in the good times and in the bad times, when He says “YES”, when He says “WAIT”, when He says “NO”, and even when He remains SILENT.  After all, it’s all about Him.

   Genuinely submit to the will of God (2 Sam 7: 25)

 I know, it’s easier said than done. Remember, though, this has little to do with feelings. It’s the logical thing to do. Here’s why:  Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28, 3 John 1:2, Luke 11:11.

You have a God whose main interest for you is eternal happiness. His will for your life will always be bigger, better, and brighter than you imagine. That’s a fact.

Go forth with other projects and look for new ones (2 Sam. 8:1)

Whatever you do, don’t get stuck in an eternal state of grief because of a dream that could never be. Don’t blame others, don’t blame God, don’t blame “luck,” and don’t get in the habit of feeling sorry for yourself. This mindset will only hinder you from achieving the great things God has in mind. Look around; there are many other options and endless possibilities!

Help someone else accomplish the dream you were told “NO” to (1 Chron. 29:2)

After David was told NO to the temple construction, he didn’t leave the project altogether. He knew that he wasn’t God’s appointed to carry out this endeavor; however, that didn’t stop David from investing his time and resources into aiding Solomon (the one whom God had appointed to construct His temple) in every possible way he could.  Talk about selflessness and dedication!

Isaiah 43:18, 19 says:

“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”

You serve a God who loves to dream and who loves even more those who dare to dream.

You, my friend, serve a God so invested in your dreams that He will sweat every drop you sweat, cry every tear you cry, hold on tight to your hand, and carry you every step of the way.

That’s how much He cares.

So, look up, move forward, and dream on.