You don't always get whatchu want

I just got back from Griffin's house about an hour ago. Today Ella came running from the other room, crying because she didn't get a salami. I had never seen her quite like that; she was despondent and inconsolable. She threw herself on the floor and was just crying. In between crying you could hear her say, "I want... sa....me....!!"
Her Dad wouldn't budge, which threw her into even more frustration and crying. I was just thinking, "wow, that salami must be really good to make that big of a deal about it. I really want some of that salami."

But it was also a reminder to reflect on how I react when I don't get something that I've set my heart on. When God says no, how do I react? Do I acknowledge God's omniscience and goodness, trusting him that he knows what's best for me? or do I throw a hissy fit and start to complain and get angry, and perhaps even try to force the issue?

It's one of the hardest lessons you'll ever learn. I mean, who isn't disappointed when they don't get what they want? But inevitably, we all have to face such situations. Frequently.

I know God wants to give me what's best for me. When I don't get what I want, as painful as it is, and after examining all my motives, I have to acknowledge and trust that ultimately, it's better this way. God has a reason for withholding it from me.

Consider this passage from Psalm 84:11
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

Now I know that "those whose walk is blameless" is a pretty big qualifier, but consider also what Jesus said:

Matthew 7:7-11
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Also, John 15:7
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you.

Ultimately, we should want what God wants. We should wish for God's will to be established in our lives. It's a matter of trust. Do you trust that God knows what's best for you? Do you believe him when he says he wants to give you a good gift, by his estimation? Do you believe that his gift is better than anything you could have imagined? Things will be much better when you simply trust God's will.

Ephesians 3:20
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

Settling for our will is often less than what God has in store for us. Trust God that he knows what's best and pray for your will to be conformed to his.