May 31, 2017. I Kings 3-4; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 72

 

What would you ask God for if He said you could ask for anything? Winning Lotto numbers, better job, ability to eat anything and still have the body of a 19 year old, fix my spouse? Well the question was actually posed by God to Solomon at the beginning of his reign as King’

I Kings 3.5

In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night; and God said, “Ask what you wish Me to give you.” 

The response of Solomon was one of humility. 

7 “Now, O Lord my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around. 8 And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted!

Though now the King of Israel he recognizes he is in over his head and has no clue how to govern. It is okay to admit that you are in over your head. In fact, I think God often allows that experience so he can test us to see if we will choose humility and allow him to lead us. Unfortunately a lack of in confidence in God or pride in ourselves leads us to make bad decisions and pretend to be that which we are not; wise.

9 Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” 

Solomon asks correctly. He asks for wisdom. Having just started a new church I totally identify with Solomon. Though I have over 35 years of experience working in and leading churches I desire to be led by God in a new and fresh way. I don’t want to rely on my experience, expertise, or newest fad in church leadership. I want God’s wisdom to do things God’s way for the sake of the health of God’s people. And so far God has answered my prayer just as he answered Solomon’s prayer.

10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. 11 So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies— 12 I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! 

Get wisdom. It is the beginning of understanding and receiving all that God has for you in life.

13 And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life! 14 And if you follow me and obey my decrees and my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life.” 

I confess I am still waiting on the “riches and fame” part that God promised Solomon. But I think God has other ways He wants to bless me that would be perfect for me in the plan He has for my life. The same is true for you. What ever you need to do, what ever God has planned for you, he will give it freely to you. It all makes sense when we get wisdom.  

Matthew 7:7 

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

John 15:7 

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 

1 John 5:14 

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

“Heavenly Father there is so much going on in my life and I feel like I need so many things. But today I want to ask you for wisdom. Wisdom to know what you want me to do as opportunities and challenges confront me throughout this day. Wisdom to choose humility over pride, when to hold my tongue and when to bless, to trust you to answer all my prayers in the way that does nothing but good for me and gives glory to you.”