Just because God doesn’t answer our prayers the way we want Him to doesn’t mean He hasn’t heard them — or even that He hasn’t answered them. The Bible says, “The Lord is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous” (Proverbs 15:29).

But God’s answer isn’t always a “Yes.” Sometimes His answer is “Wait,” or even “No.” Remember: We see only part of the picture — but God sees the whole, and He knows what is best for us. And He also wants what’s best for us because He loves us. We think we know what we need, and there’s nothing wrong with asking God for it. But if God knows it may not be wise or good, He lovingly tells us “No.”

It’s hard, I know, for us to accept God’s “No,” or even His “Wait” — but He can be trusted to do what is right. Is He telling you “No” in this situation? I don’t know; perhaps He’s only telling you to wait. But either way, I pray you’ll seek His will about this relationship, and be willing to accept it, whatever it is.

God knows your needs, and He wants you to commit them to Him. But He also wants you to discover the joy of His presence every day, as you open your heart to Christ and learn to walk with Him. We are never alone when we know Christ.