So give Your servant an understanding mind and a hearing heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and bad. For who is able to judge and rule this Your great people?
1 Kings 3:9
The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night, and He asked him “What Shall I give you?” (1 Kings 3:5), and Solomon responded by asking God for His wisdom and understanding (1 Kings 3:9).
Are you seeking the right things??
I love this verse because it reminds me that above all else I should be seeking the understanding and wisdom of God, and a heart of good discernment. It reminds me that above all else I should be seeking HIM, not the things He can give me.
In all honesty, without knowing and remembering 1 Kings 3:9, I may be more inclined to seek other things that are of personal gain. For example money, promotion, and material possessions. It’s so easy to get caught up with the things of this world, such as nice cars, new furniture, anything sparkly, name brand labels, or a new position that comes with a nice check. Forgetting that if my basic needs are met I should be happy and content.
BUT Solomon reminds us of what we should be seeking most. His humility speaks to my heart, because above all else we need God’s wisdom in our lives. We need the ability to discern good from bad on the deepest levels, so we can truly live a righteous life pleasing to God.
If we are not seeking to live a righteous life, then perhaps our priorities have shifted out of alignment, and it’s time to examine our hearts.
As much as I love the beautiful reminder that 1 Kings 3:9 offers. I love the following verses more.
It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, Because you have asked this and have not asked for long life or for riches, nor for the lives of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to recognize what is just and right, behold I have done as you asked. I have given you a wise, discerning mind, so that no one before you was your equal, nor shall any arise after you equal to you. I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there shall not be any among the kings equal to you all your days.
1 Kings 3:10-13
It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked for wisdom, an understanding mind, and a hearing heart so the he could discern from good and bad. I’m not sure about you my darling friend, but I want nothing more than to please the Lord. God then tells Solomon that because he sought the right things, he was not only given them, but MORE. Solomon loved the Lord, and because he sought His ways above all else he was given not only what he directly asked for, but riches, honor, glory, and promotion.
I wonder how much more God would do for us if we sought His ways above all else? If we asked Him to bless us with His wisdom. A heart like Christ, and the ability to see people’s hurts and needs, before our own. How much would we please Him if we asked for understanding, discernment, and prudence instead of our own next need?
Today I asked for these things, and I want to encourage you to do the same.
Let’s take the example that Solomon set in these verses, realign our priorities and humble our hearts.
Let us seek the right things! And be pleasing in the eyes of our Father!
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