“Solomon established himself in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great…
“And Solomon, and all the assembly with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon, [to] the tent of meeting of God… Moreover, the bronze altar… was there before the tabernacle of the Lord. Solomon and the assembly sought it out. Solomon went up to the bronze altar before the Lord, which was at the tent of meeting, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.
“In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, ‘Ask what I shall give you.’ And Solomon said to God, ‘You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place. O Lord God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?’ God answered Solomon, ‘Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.'” 2 Chronicles 1:1,3,5-12
When Solomon establishes himself in his kingdom, he actually is establishing the Lord on high over his kingdom- as Lord and Master of his heart, his determination, and his nation. He made it top priority to approach God’s altar and offer generous sacrifices as an expression of reverence to the Owner of all things, and in humble gratitude for what the Lord had entrusted to him. It was here, in this moment of offering, that the Lord conversed with him and granted him more than Solomon would have imagined.
Availability to the Lord through worship and surrender opens the way to converse with Him, to hear His voice and receive His treasures known only in the secret place. The posture of our hearts affects how we come before Him and interact. God draws our spirits, and is pleased by our humility, offerings, and obedience. He meets us as we pray to commune and equip with power according to our needs. (Matthew 6:6-8; 7:7-8)
How available do we make ourselves to the Lord? He is ever present, keeping watch, ready to listen, remind, instruct, and console. His time is eternal, His bounty limitless. We are the fickle, inconsistent ones, darting in and out of conversation, distractedly weighing options or tending to pet lesser gods or affections. How often do we enjoy deep, meaningful, life-giving interaction with Him?
When, and with what, will I approach the Lord today? For what will I specifically ask? How has He faithfully met me and answered my needs with lavish riches of His presence and power? (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Lord, keep me available for Your voice, and expectant for Your enabling to do Your will.
As the rain and snow 