261 Talking with God: The Mystery of Unaswered Prayer

Have you ever begged God for something that mattered more than anything — and He didn’t come through the way you hoped? That very thing happened to the great King David. 

After years of conquest, Israel was now unified and at peace. But, Israel was still worshiping Yahweh at a tent—the Tabernacle that had made the trek through the wilderness with God’s people. 

Nestled in his cedar-lined palace, David—the man after God’s own heart—began to dream. “The Lord has been so good to me, and He is such a great God. It isn’t right that I should live in such splendor and luxury while God’s presence is still relegated to a tent. God deserves better. I want to build Him a glorious temple!” 

Nathan, the prophet, heard David’s dreams and could see that the king’s motives were pure and his dreams noble. So, he immediately told David, “Sounds like a great idea. Go for it!” 

But what was God’s response to David’s dream? In a word, His answer was…no. He affirmed David for his desire to honor Him, but he would not be the one to build God a temple. God had a better plan in mind. And that leads us to our four main points: 

1.    It’s not wrong to dream great dreams and pray great prayers. 

2.    Sometimes, though the dream is noble, it’s not God’s plan.

3.    When God says “No” to our dreams, it’s because He has better ones in mind.

4.    When disappointed with God, the best response is thoughtful reflection and humble submission. 

How did David respond to God’s “no”? The Bible says he “sat before the Lord and said, ‘Who am I, Sovereign Lord…” He paused to reflect on all the dreams that were fulfilled, the times God had answered prayer. And then he humbly submitted his dreams to the sovereignty of God. 

God’s ways are not our ways. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. When faced with the mystery of unanswered prayer, may we, like David, trust in the Sovereign Lord who is strong and loving and does all things well. 

Text: 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17

Originally recorded on September 12, 2004, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN