Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours? -1 Kings 3:9 (NKJV)
We often treat God like He’s Santa Claus, or some sort of cosmic servant, to grant our wishes…as if He were here to do things for us! No, as true believers, it’s quite the opposite. We’re here, with every breath He grants us, on a planet He made for us, on a new day He decided to create for us, to serve Him and make Him known.
The above verse is Solomon’s amazing request of the Lord. Solomon didn’t ask for riches, or anything selfish. What he asked for was discernment and wisdom to better rule his people. And because of his God-honoring request, God gave Solomon the wisdom he asked for–in fact, making him the wisest man who ever lived!–and also much more! God granted him riches and honor on top of the gifts of wisdom and discernment.
So when you pray to the Lord, are you asking for personal gain and comfort, or for gifts that will ultimately glorify Him? As His obedient children, the more we walk in obedience, the more our hearts will align with His will, so that we will pray for things that glorify Him. And what child doesn’t want to please their Father in heaven, who smiles and blesses His obedient children?
We thank the Lord for all the gifts and blessings we take for granted, and ask Him to give us greater discernment, wisdom, grace, strength, and love we don’t have to give to the world, and to show Him through us. As it is written:
It was pleasing in the sight of the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing. -1 Kings 3:10 (NASB)
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