READ: 1 Kings 3:5-15
“Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties… So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours? The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.” 1 Kings 3:7-10
The Lord was pleased that Solomon asked for wisdom to govern Israel above everything else he could have asked for. This was because his heart was in the right place. Solomon could have treated his kingship and power as his own to do as he pleased. But he knew that God had given Israel to him to steward and govern. He knew he was still God’s servant and that God was just using him to take care of His people. So, instead of asking for wealth or more power for himself, he asked for the wisdom to do his task well. In Solomon’s heart, obedience to God and the welfare of the people took priority over his own interests.
Solomon’s will aligned with God’s will.
‘I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know … his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.” (Ephesians 1:18-21)
Reflection: As a believer, you have access to the Lord’s incomparable power, strength, and wisdom. When you’re feeling unequipped, ask God to give you what you need to do His will. Just like how you can ask your teacher to teach you how to do the homework they’ve assigned you. You can also ask them for pencils and erasers, the tools you need to complete that task. And the teacher will give them to you, because they want you to complete the task as well. It pleases them when you are proactive and want to do the task well.
Prayer Prompt: When do you feel overwhelmed or unequipped? What godly trait can you ask God for to help you through your struggle? God knows what you need and your skill level; he will never assign you more than you can handle. But sometimes we try to take on more than he’s asked us to out of our own ambition. When we do, we have no peace and are filled with anxiety. That is the selfish ambition that James warns us about:
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” (James 3:16)