This Day in History: 0000-07-10
July 10 – 1 Kings 3:7-14 & 4:29-31
“Now, oh 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. And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! 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?”
The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for long life or wealth or the death of your enemies – 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! And I will also give you what you did not ask for – riches and fame! And if you follow me and obey my decrees and my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life.”
God gave Solomon very great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands on the seashore. In fact, his wisdom exceeded that of all the wise men of the East and the wise men of Egypt. He was wiser than anyone else…”
A few things really jump out at me when I read these passages: I am struck by the humility with which Solomon made his request. I am intrigued by God’s response and how He seems to take such pleasure in the request. I am encouraged by the answer – that it was given so quickly and so completely. I am inspired by the whole thing, and reminded of James 1:5:
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
I feel certain most of us need wisdom. I sure know I do. Life is hard and there are about a million choices we could make each and every day. Some of them won’t bear a huge impact on our lives, but many really will. I’m desperate for God’s leading. My heart longs to be led with clarity. Can you relate? If so, let’s allow Solomon’s request to inspire our own prayer for wisdom. May we fall on our faces before God and ask,
“Dear Heavenly Father, You have been so faithful to bring me this far. My life is filled with examples of Your Sovereign and loving hand, and I am in awe. Who am I that You would choose me as Your own? Who am I that You would claim me as Your child? But as I face the decisions before me, as I try to see down the road ahead, I find myself unequipped. Lord, on my own I know I’ll just mess it up. I truly cannot do it alone. I need Your wisdom. Give me an understanding heart so that I can live this life in line with Your will. I want to represent You well wherever I go. I want my life to bring You glory. I want the clarity to know right from wrong. Not just in the big stuff, but in the minutia as well. I want to live a life of integrity. Even behind closed doors, Lord, I want to honor You. But I fully understand that I just can’t without Your help. I need You. If it would please You, fill me with Your Spirit and give me the wisdom that can only come from You. Please. In the name of Jesus, amen.”