More Than We Ask For
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1 Kings 3:5-14
5. At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, "Ask what I shall give you." 6. And Solomon said, "Thou hast shown great and steadfast love to thy servant David my father, because he walked before thee in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward thee; and thou hast kept for him this great and steadfast love, and hast given him a son to sit on his throne this day. 7. And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 8. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people whom thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered or counted for multitude. 9. Give thy servant therefore an understanding mind to govern thy people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to govern this thy great people?" 10. It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11. And God said to him, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, 12. behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. 13. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. 14. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days."
Monday mornings are just about my least favorite time—ever! But I have been convicted lately about my general attitude toward life—by those who have endured and survived experiences that I could not even begin to imagine—and have shared their stories in order to bring glory to God. So enough about me—I think that’s what God was trying to tell me this morning. Not only has He given me more than I ever could have imagined asking for, He has given more than I deserve.
In light of that, I changed my attitude this morning – and coffee helped! Solomon was actually not a “little child” but was about 20 years old when David died and Solomon assumed the throne. Still, that’s pretty young to take over such a huge responsibility, especially in light of his father’s reputation! And he admits to God that he is ill-equipped to be a godly king—that in and of itself is a good start for a 20 year old!
What is God’s response? He gives Solomon what he asks—wisdom. What is ironic about the request is that Solomon already possessed wisdom! That is true humility! It’s not lack of self-confidence—it’s recognition that in order to be what and who God wants, we must rely on Him and not on ourselves alone. God obviously had equipped Solomon, whose place in history is firmly established with the phrase “the wisdom of Solomon.”
But God gives Solomon more! Much more! He gives him long life, wealth, honor. He wants Solomon to stand out in history! He wants Solomon to serve as an example of all that God can and will accomplish in and through us—if we’ll just let Him. If we go to Him before each decision; if we seek His guidance and wisdom, our lives will not only be much “easier” but also will serve as an example for others. They will look at us and recognize that everything we have—spiritual gifts, talents, abilities, blessings—all come from God! He gives us more than we deserve. He will give us more than we can even think of asking for ourselves, if we’ll just let Him!
I love The Prayer of Jabez. If you haven’t heard the prayer or read the book by Bruce Wilkinson, you should! Jabez asks God to bless him. And God does! It’s that easy! But the trick is this: we ask God to bless us as God sees fit! And then we run with it! Easy, right?! Well, simple. Not easy. But these verses remind me to adjust my attitude today and to “let go and let God” because He is so much wiser, stronger, more generous and loving, capable and good than I could ever imagine!
I hope you’ll join me today in asking God to bless you as He desires. I know my day will be better because of that request. My prayer is that yours is too!
Mary
