1 Kings 3:5,9-10 – At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” … Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” The speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing.

God appeared to Solomon at Gibeon and asked him what he would like most of all. The king requested an understanding heart for the great task of judging and ruling the people of Israel. The request pleased the Lord, and it was granted to him along with riches and honor, and also long life, if Solomon would walk in obedience to God. Today God offers to everyone the greatest gift for which one could possibly ask, the Lord Jesus Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Col. 2:3). Solomon recognized that God’s kindness to David was due to his father’s faithfulness to God which manifested itself in righteous actions and upright attitudes of heart. The king also acknowledged his own immaturity and need for God’s wisdom. Solomon was concerned that he wouldn’t be able to function effectively as the spokesman of God because he was a young man. His responsibility as the leader and judge of God’s people weighed heavily on him. So, he requested an understanding heart tuned to the voice of God, so he could lead Israel as God would want the nation to be led. He acknowledged his dependence on God by referring to himself as God’s servant.

Challenge:

I love the fact that God says to Solomon quite simply to “Ask!” Ask whatever you want Solomon, I am ready to hear directly from you. Hold nothing back Solomon, because I know you will ask of Me something that will bless My heart. The same is true today. You see, Jesus says to you and to me, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” If you ask according to My will, it will be given to you, if you seek Me with all your heart, you will find Me, and if you knock, I will be there to answer you. Your challenge for this week is to boldly ask in Jesus name for the things you want God to do for you. Because, He really does want to answer your prayers. He desires that you too come to Him and ask for what you want. But, as you ask, be sure to understand that your request must be within His ultimate will for your life. Trust me, you do not want anything that the Lord would not want you to have anyway. He alone, knows what is best for you and what will bring you close to Him. May the Lord use you and bless you.