That's A Negative! - How Does God Manifest A "no"?

[JLHPROF]

Here is something that has been running through my mind recently as I approach the Lord for some answers and guidance.  We know that there are many ways that God confirms truth, right, correct decisions etc.  Generally the word "comforter" applies to all of them - feelings of peace, sure/clear strokes of knowledge, etc.

God is good and God is love according to the scriptures.

 

So I was wondering how God answers in the negative.  For example, can a feeling of fear or dread be an answer from the Lord?  If you pray about something and a feeling of dread comes over you, can that ever be the Lord (because his love casts out fear), or is it the adversary trying to muddy the waters?

If you "feel something is not right" is that a lack of faith allowing doubt to creep in, or is that possibly your answer?  Does God ever provide feelings that would be considered ungodly (fear, doubt, anger, confusion, worry) as an answer to prayer or does this go against the way he works?

 

Are there scriptural references to God using negative emotions to answer prayers (such as a stupor of thought perhaps)?  Or does God always answer with positive feelings, even if the answer is no.

[Calm]

I actually heard a most definite "no" once when i was debating whether to do something and had just decided it was right. I have never experienced a voice with that sense of presence at any other time so I take it as a message.

[rodheadlee]

Well for me, I'm a spiritual hard head so my last no was a "NO These things must needs be!". I don't get the subtle hints and it took me  a few months to figure out why the answer to my prayer was no.

[pogi]

Here are some insights form Richard G. Scott on the matter:

 

Then the Lord clarifies, “But if [what you propose] be not right you … shall have a stupor of thought.” 11 That, for me, is an unsettling, discomforting feeling.

 

Some misunderstandings about prayer can be clarified by realizing that the scriptures define principles for effective prayer, but they do not assure when a response will be given. Actually, He will reply in one of three ways. First, you can feel the peace, comfort, and assurance that confirm that your decision is right. Or second, you can sense that unsettled feeling, the stupor of thought, indicating that your choice is wrong. Or third—and this is the difficult one—you can feel no response.

 

When you are living righteously and are acting with trust, God will not let you proceed too far without a warning impression if you have made the wrong decision.

 

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/using-the-supernal-gift-of-prayer?lang=eng

 

I especially like the bolded part.  If you are unsure about the answer after praying, just move forward in the path that you feel most impressed to follow.  If you are living righteously, then "God will not let you proceed too far without a warning impression if you have made the wrong decision."  I think that impression will be unmistakable. 

Edited February 27, 2014 by pogi

[CV75]

Here is something that has been running through my mind recently as I approach the Lord for some answers and guidance.  We know that there are many ways that God confirms truth, right, correct decisions etc.  Generally the word "comforter" applies to all of them - feelings of peace, sure/clear strokes of knowledge, etc.

God is good and God is love according to the scriptures.

 

So I was wondering how God answers in the negative.  For example, can a feeling of fear or dread be an answer from the Lord?  If you pray about something and a feeling of dread comes over you, can that ever be the Lord (because his love casts out fear), or is it the adversary trying to muddy the waters?

If you "feel something is not right" is that a lack of faith allowing doubt to creep in, or is that possibly your answer?  Does God ever provide feelings that would be considered ungodly (fear, doubt, anger, confusion, worry) as an answer to prayer or does this go against the way he works?

 

Are there scriptural references to God using negative emotions to answer prayers (such as a stupor of thought perhaps)?  Or does God always answer with positive feelings, even if the answer is no.

For me, a non-confirmation of a decision in prayer definitely comes in the form of a stupor of thought. An unsolicited warning voice to protect me (or someone else) from what I am about to say or do comes as a clear mental “No.” Sometimes in my pondering to make a decision, true principles come to mind so that I drop the subject. Rarely, and in exceptional instances (maybe twice in my life)  have I experienced the Comforter tell me "No" with the same positive feelings that usually accompany a confirmation for a decision.

 

I think a generalized fear and dread (such as Joseph Smith experienced in his prayer while in the grove) is obviously from the adversary, but the fear and dread that accompany the realization of certain events is a natural reaction to what God brings to mind (for example, when someone is in danger and needs our prayers and/or personal intervention, or when we are about to make a terrible mistake thinking we are right). I think sometimes we can sense the presence of evil with negative feelings, and this is a gift of the Spirit or the Gift of the Holy Ghost, but not a direct answer to a direct prayer.

 

Each of us has to become personally accustomed to experiencing the many ways God communicates with us, and we each learn and communicate differently. While I do not think God inspires the negative feelings you describe, He allows us to have them and He allows us to sense evil.

[Duncan]

Like Calmoriah I had a definite No answer to prayer once. I never pursued that course obviously!

 

Edit. I do recall another time getting a distinct impression that the course I wanted to do wasn't right, but it was a different way God answered me then before, so whatever I am flexible!

Edited February 27, 2014 by Duncan

[bluebell]

The times that I can remember getting a distinctive 'no' it has just been a general but strong feeling that it wasn't a good thing. 

 

No dread or fear and no indecision-just a 'nope' kind of thing.

[Robert F. Smith]

Here is something that has been running through my mind recently as I approach the Lord for some answers and guidance.  We know that there are many ways that God confirms truth, right, correct decisions etc.  Generally the word "comforter" applies to all of them - feelings of peace, sure/clear strokes of knowledge, etc.

God is good and God is love according to the scriptures.

 

So I was wondering how God answers in the negative.  For example, can a feeling of fear or dread be an answer from the Lord?  If you pray about something and a feeling of dread comes over you, can that ever be the Lord (because his love casts out fear), or is it the adversary trying to muddy the waters?

If you "feel something is not right" is that a lack of faith allowing doubt to creep in, or is that possibly your answer?  Does God ever provide feelings that would be considered ungodly (fear, doubt, anger, confusion, worry) as an answer to prayer or does this go against the way he works?

 

Are there scriptural references to God using negative emotions to answer prayers (such as a stupor of thought perhaps)?  Or does God always answer with positive feelings, even if the answer is no.

One thing is abundantly clear, as you suggest:  The lack of an answer or a negative answer can be a stupor of thought (D&C 9:9, Alma 60:7), such as experienced by Joseph and Oliver when unable to translate (1) when Martin replaced the seer stone in the hat and Joseph declared: “Martin, what is the matter, all is as dark as Egypt," (2) when Joseph had an argument with Emma, and (3) when Oliver thought he could translate and failed miserably (D&C 9:7)..

 

If the Holy Spirit is grieved by your thoughts or actions, it will not communicate with you.  So one condition of asking God for answers is that proper faith and diligence be given to the task (James 1:5-8, I Nephi 16:28-29, 18:12-15, Moroni 10:4-5).  Another approach is suggested in Alma 32, an experimental program which takes time and self-assessment during the process.  So whether one hangs on to the iron rod or seeks guidance from the Liahona, one can get answers.

 

As for the "feeling of dread" you mention, bear in mind that Joseph and others (including Jesus in the Wilderness) have had to experience that power of opposition.  Perhaps as a test of faith and endurance:  Cf. JS-H 1:15-16, when Joseph had just knelt down to pray (at his First Vision):

 

"I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction.  But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction—not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being—just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me."

[JLHPROF]

The consensus seems to be that if the "answer" to the prayer is a feeling of fear, dread, sorrow etc, that is it probably the adversary.  However, if the answer is a withdrawl of the spirit leading to a stupor of thought that can be the Lord's answer (even though that very absence of the spirit can cause fear/dread/sorrow from our mortal selves).

Does this mean that God doesn't send us bad or negative feelings as answers?

 

It is easy to see why "NO" is sometimes harder to understand than "YES".

[BCSpace]

Then the Lord clarifies, “But if [what you propose] be not right you … shall have a stupor of thought.” 11 That, for me, is an unsettling, discomforting feeling.

 

Welcome to my world.  I am constantly praying for more wealth and constantly getting an answer.

 

[Palerider]

One thing is abundantly clear, as you suggest:  The lack of an answer or a negative answer can be a stupor of thought (D&C 9:9, Alma 60:7), such as experienced by Joseph and Oliver when unable to translate (1) when Martin replaced the seer stone in the hat and Joseph declared: “Martin, what is the matter, all is as dark as Egypt," (2) when Joseph had an argument with Emma, and (3) when Oliver thought he could translate and failed miserably (D&C 9:7)..

 

If the Holy Spirit is grieved by your thoughts or actions, it will not communicate with you.  So one condition of asking God for answers is that proper faith and diligence be given to the task (James 1:5-8, I Nephi 16:28-29, 18:12-15, Moroni 10:4-5).  Another approach is suggested in Alma 32, an experimental program which takes time and self-assessment during the process.  So whether one hangs on to the iron rod or seeks guidance from the Liahona, one can get answers.

 

As for the "feeling of dread" you mention, bear in mind that Joseph and others (including Jesus in the Wilderness) have had to experience that power of opposition.  Perhaps as a test of faith and endurance:  Cf. JS-H 1:15-16, when Joseph had just knelt down to pray (at his First Vision):

 

"I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction.  But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction—not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being—just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me."

 

 

"If the Holy Spirit is grieved by your thoughts or actions, it will not communicate with you."

 

I don't believe that at all.

 

I think the Holy Ghost tells people plenty when they aren't doing the right thing. Haven't you ever heard of a guilty conscience? Who do you think gives you that feeling?

 

In general, I wouldn't attempt to limit the ways in which Heavenly Father has the ability to communicate with us. 

Edited February 27, 2014 by Palerider

[rameumptom]

I will often ask the Lord in searching for his answer to fill me with peace if the answer is "yes", and fill me with a negative feeling if it is "no".  Works rather well in many instances.

[strappinglad]

I understand that we ought to pray over everything in our lives. There was a couple in our ward that took that very seriously. They petitioned the Lord about which color of car to buy. Perhaps there are decisions that the Lord's response could be the equivalent of " whatever floats your boat" .

[CV75]

The consensus seems to be that if the "answer" to the prayer is a feeling of fear, dread, sorrow etc, that is it probably the adversary.  However, if the answer is a withdrawl of the spirit leading to a stupor of thought that can be the Lord's answer (even though that very absence of the spirit can cause fear/dread/sorrow from our mortal selves).

Does this mean that God doesn't send us bad or negative feelings as answers?

 

It is easy to see why "NO" is sometimes harder to understand than "YES".

Yes, I woulda gree, even though it is very much simpler. Those who stress through formulating a question or decision need to be comforted first.

[Mystery Meat]

I have gotten a definite no exactly one time in my life. I was a few years younger and I had decided to move cross country. I was so excited to move. Everything felt perfect. I had pack everything up, had a plane ticket, and was prepared to leave the next morning. I had prayed about it before, but my mind was so set on it that I don't think I was ready for anything more then confirmation. That night I got down on my knees to make sure the Lord supported my choice.

 

He didn't.

 

I felt so empty after that prayer. I felt a heavy burden that I can't explain other then to say I felt wrong. I knew what I had to do. I decided to stay and the Spirit immediately pour through my body, even though I wanted to move SOOOOOOOO bad. 

[The Nehor]

Welcome to my world.  I am constantly praying for more wealth and constantly getting an answer.

 

Probably something to do with the "root of all evil"

[BCSpace]

Probably something to do with the "root of all evil"

 

Doubt it.  God probably thinks I have more than I can handle in accordance with Luke 16:8-12. 

[The Nehor]

Doubt it. God probably thinks I have more than I can handle in accordance with Luke 16:8-12.

Still, I would keep asking. I was struggling to dig myself out of debt in my mid-20s. I was discussing it in prayer. I jokingly added at the end of the prayer that if God could see fit to give me $10,000 it would be a big help. I got it within the week. Edited February 27, 2014 by The Nehor

[JLHPROF]

Still, I would keep asking. I was struggling to dig myself out of debt in my mid-20s. I was discussing it in prayer. I jokingly added at the end of the prayer that if God could see fit to give me $10,000 it would be a big help. I got it within the week.

 

I had a friend who used to "prepay" tithing money when he was in desparate need as a sign of good faith.  For example, he had a bill coming of $2000 that he had no idea where he was going to get the funds for.  He scraped together $200 and paid it in as tithing and the $2000 he needed was provided.

I've never been brave enough to give that a try, but I suspect real need would be one of the precursors to trying it.

[The Nehor]

I had a friend who used to "prepay" tithing money when he was in desparate need as a sign of good faith.  For example, he had a bill coming of $2000 that he had no idea where he was going to get the funds for.  He scraped together $200 and paid it in as tithing and the $2000 he needed was provided.

I've never been brave enough to give that a try, but I suspect real need would be one of the precursors to trying it.

Yeah, and to be fair I have since been asked to pay some of it back. God will let me know someone needs help and even specify an amount and I drop it in their mailbox. It's kind of fun actually.