Psalm 73:9 English Standard Version (ESV) They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth.

Denial is an emotion that resists authority.

It is different from rebellion because it never accepted the rule of anyone except self. If no God exists, then they are not subject to His nature. They celebrate their independence with pride birthed by the god of self.

Key to rebellion is the awareness of authority.

Deuteronomy 31:27 English Standard Version (ESV) For I know how rebellious and stubborn you are. Behold, even today while I am yet alive with you, you have been rebellious against the Lord. How much more after my death!

Moses being a foreshadowing of Christ makes one very poignant statement which points to the Cross of Christ.

“How much more after my death!”

To deny His authority over us after accepting Him by faith is denial of the love that constrains us. That love abides in us and rebellion is not possible, it cannot happen. That would break our hearts and self-preservation is an instinct as old as life eternal.

We must understand that doubt is an emotion of the mind and not rebellion of the heart.

Over the years two types of believers have sought counsel. Both had doubts.

The first received answers to their prayers and things did not work out as expected. That was because those individuals told God what they wanted rather than asking God what God wanted for them. God gives great gifts, He is not a wishing well.

The second wants confirmation of what they were hearing. They are confirmed by a word that says, “Do this and God will bless you.” They see what God is asking as too much for them and are looking for a different opinion. Godly counsel is not an exit strategy. They know what is expected and missed out on the blessings by choosing not to answer His call.

Knowing what is right does not mean we will choose it.