Focus
Experience silence in the midst of your busy day. Take some time to relax into a time to be with God.
Read
1 Kings 3:5-14 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I should give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, 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 today. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant, therefore, an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can 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 for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor all your life; no other king shall compare with you. If you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your life.”
Reflect
What would you do if God asked you to ask for anything you wanted? How would you respond to God? Would you be selfish or selfless? Solomon had this very opportunity and he responded selflessly.
“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?” 1 Kings 3:9. King Solomon did not want more riches in the form of silver, gold, and a longer life. He wanted the riches of being able to lead God’s people with discernment. He wanted to serve God and serve God’s people with the very best tools, leading them to God!
King Solomon’s request pleased God and he received even more than he asked, because Solomon’s heart was selfless. God gave him the gift of discernment and the gift of being the greatest king besides Jesus, the King of kings! He would go down in history as the wisest man whoever lived all because he asked God for wisdom to promote the well-being of God’s people!
“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4. King Solomon delighted in the LORD and look how God gave him the desires of his heart. Don’t you know that God wants to do the very same thing for us! Come and let us delight in the LORD, Brothers and Sisters, and see how God blesses us!
Pray
“Gracious God, how thankful we are for You! Please help us to take great delight in You so that we will become more selfless for You and Your people in the new year! We love You, Lord! In Jesus Name, Amen.”
Go with God!
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