Text: 1 Kings 3:1-15
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” —James 1:5
Don’t we all love a gift—especially when that gift has the propensity to add value to our everyday lives and the lives of those around us? When I browse through our family collection of digital photos from over the years, I am grateful for the gift of a camera. That gift has enabled our family to capture so many precious memories that we cherish together today. It’s been a gift that keeps on giving.
It was in a dream by night that the Lord appeared to Solomon at Gibeon saying, “Ask what I shall give you.” Now that’s what I call a blank check! Solomon could’ve asked for anything conceivable, big or small from the Lord. He could’ve easily rationalized asking for material things because he had many mouths to feed. He could’ve asked for national security, with such a vast kingdom being a target for unknown hostiles. Yet we find him here praying one of the most humble prayers in all of scripture:
“And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” (1 Kings 3:7–9)
Solomon sees himself as a “little child,” inadequate and insufficient as a leader, in view of the great task ahead of him. He didn’t even know how to go out or come in, and look at how that childlike naivety steers his petition. He asks for an “understanding mind” to govern the people, that he may “discern between good and evil.” Solomon was offered anything he could possibly wish for and what is his big ask?
Wisdom!
How many people do you know who would’ve written out their blank check that way? God was so pleased and moved by Solomon’s petition that He granted him exactly what he asked for and so much more, promising him long life, riches, and honor on top of all that wisdom and discernment. God could see that this wasn’t just a petition meant to impress or manipulate, but it was the sincerest sentiment of Solomon’s childlike heart. He was humble and wanted to lead well.
As you navigate people you are responsible for through challenging waters, or seek to move your family forward in troubling and uncertain times, what is your big ask from the Lord? Wisdom is that exhaustless gift offered to us in the same sufficiency as grace: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). Wisdom is a key that unlocks many other gifts in our lives, and don’t you love that it says God offers it without finding fault?! Think about that as you seek to abide in Him this week.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, like Solomon, we cannot live on yesterday’s experience alone. We need today’s wisdom. We ask you for a fresh outpouring of wisdom and discernment in our hearts, to know your will and do you will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Questions for Reflection and/or Group Discussion
- If you had to stand trial, what qualities would you value most in a judge?
- What did Solomon find humbling about being king? (1 Kings 3:7-8) What request did Solomon make of God and for what purpose? (v. 9) How did God feel about what Solomon had chosen to request? (v. 10)
- What difference did it make that Solomon asked God for wisdom? (vv. 10-14) What did God promise to Solomon that he had not asked for? (v. 13)
- Given the opportunity to ask God “for whatever you want [Him] to give you,” what sort of request would you expect from our human nature? Why are awe and humility appropriate reactions to the responsibility of governing a nation or being responsible for leading others?
- What practical steps can you take to place a higher value on wisdom this coming week? How can you seek God’s wisdom as a matter of habit?
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Text: 1 Kings 3:1-15
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” —James 1:5
Don’t we all love a gift—especially when that gift has the propensity to add value to our everyday lives and the lives of those around us? When I browse through our family collection of digital photos from over the years, I am grateful for the gift of a camera. That gift has enabled our family to capture so many precious memories that we cherish together today. It’s been a gift that keeps on giving.
It was in a dream by night that the Lord appeared to Solomon at Gibeon saying, “Ask what I shall give you.” Now that’s what I call a blank check! Solomon could’ve asked for anything conceivable, big or small from the Lord. He could’ve easily rationalized asking for material things because he had many mouths to feed. He could’ve asked for national security, with such a vast kingdom being a target for unknown hostiles. Yet we find him here praying one of the most humble prayers in all of scripture:
“And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” (1 Kings 3:7–9)
Solomon sees himself as a “little child,” inadequate and insufficient as a leader, in view of the great task ahead of him. He didn’t even know how to go out or come in, and look at how that childlike naivety steers his petition. He asks for an “understanding mind” to govern the people, that he may “discern between good and evil.” Solomon was offered anything he could possibly wish for and what is his big ask?
Wisdom!
How many people do you know who would’ve written out their blank check that way? God was so pleased and moved by Solomon’s petition that He granted him exactly what he asked for and so much more, promising him long life, riches, and honor on top of all that wisdom and discernment. God could see that this wasn’t just a petition meant to impress or manipulate, but it was the sincerest sentiment of Solomon’s childlike heart. He was humble and wanted to lead well.
As you navigate people you are responsible for through challenging waters, or seek to move your family forward in troubling and uncertain times, what is your big ask from the Lord? Wisdom is that exhaustless gift offered to us in the same sufficiency as grace: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). Wisdom is a key that unlocks many other gifts in our lives, and don’t you love that it says God offers it without finding fault?! Think about that as you seek to abide in Him this week.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, like Solomon, we cannot live on yesterday’s experience alone. We need today’s wisdom. We ask you for a fresh outpouring of wisdom and discernment in our hearts, to know your will and do you will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Questions for Reflection and/or Group Discussion
Subscribe to “Abiding In Him” and get the latest devotional in your Inbox once a week.