“At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, ‘Ask what I shall give you.‘ Solomon said, ‘You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. 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?’
“It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, ‘Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days.’
“God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore, so that Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and of Egypt. For he was wiser than all other men.” 1 Kings 3:5,7,9,10-13; 4:29-31
“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
A deep knowledge of God taught Solomon his humble place and that there was much more to know and understand. By grace he started his reign fully in awe of his Sovereign and dependent on Him for the wisdom to lead. In turn, the Lord added many things to Solomon’s heart desire, beyond what had been his imagining. (1 Kings 4:31-34; Ephesians 3:20-21)
God beckons us personally to request what we want. A life flurried with frenzy and a mind with urgencies, responsibilities, even resentments will naturally seek anything to bring help, relief, fulfillment, pleasure. Self-gratifying asks. A mind soaked in the Lord’s kingdom purposes and enthralled with His majesty and highness will recognize how much it needs to do His will with excellence. God-honoring asks.
Our heavenly Benefactor comes to us with open hands. What do we truly want? What do we seek? Devoted prayer avails much when aligned with our Lord’s will and ways. (James 5:16)
How can we adjust our perspective to seek our Father first? How earnestly do we articulate specific needs alongside His purposes? What all these things has He bountifully added unto us?
Lord, teach me to pray according to Your will, and employ Your abundance for Your glory.
As the rain and snow 