The recommended
reading upon which this evening’s daily article was based was I Kings 3:5-15.It
speaks of how Solomon loved the Lord and walked in the statutes of his father,
David. In remembering additional scripture that points out that David was a man
after God’s own heart, we know more about Solomon based on these few comments.
Additionally, we
read of how the Lord came to Solomon in a dream one night and asked him, “What
shall I give you?” Oh, what a dream! What would you say in answer to such a
question?
Solomon had a ready
response. He started off by praising God for His great and steadfast love, then
proceeded to humble himself by acknowledging his inadequacies to govern such a
huge number of people. He asked for an understanding mind that he might be able
to discern between good and evil.
The passage we have quoted states that God was so pleased
that Solomon asked for this that He was not only granting it, but far more as
well.
Let’s consider the simplicity of Solomon’s request and God’s
being pleased:
SOLOMON DID NOT REQUEST:
LONG LIFE
RICHES
LIFE OF HIS ENEMIES
SOLOMON DID REQUEST:
UNDERSTANDING TO DISCERN WHAT IS RIGHT
Since God was
pleased with this request from Solomon, doesn’t it seem to follow that He would
be pleased with the same/similar request from each one of us? Not that we are
going to be in the exact position of a Solomon, but we are always going to be
in the position of needing wisdom to discern between right and wrong.
Just think of it!
Being presented with the opportunity to ask God for anything . . . absolutely anything
at all . . . and all Solomon asked for was wisdom. That was it. That was all.
And that was AFTER he had praised God! We have the same such opportunity as
well! Didn’t think about it like that? Are we thinking, “But God doesn’t come
to us in a dream like He did to Solomon”? Right. God doesn’t come to us in a
dream with such an offer, nor does He have the exact plan for us that He did
for Solomon; however, do not question but what God does have an answer for our
requests and He does have plans for us as surely as He did for Solomon. Simple
faith shows us that the answers and the plans differ because we differ; however,
just as surely as He did for Solomon, God has particular plans for us . . . and
just as surely as Solomon’s dream came
true, so, too, can ours!
“And all things you
ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
Matthew
21:22 (NASB)
© M Sue Moore 1-17-17
