1 Kings 3:6-14
Solomon said, "You were extravagantly generous in love with David my father, and he lived faithfully in your presence, his relationships were just and his heart right. And you have persisted in this great and generous love by giving him—and this very day!—a son to sit on his throne.
"And now here I am: GOD, my God, you have made me, your servant, ruler of the kingdom in place of David my father. I'm too young for this, a mere child! I don't know the ropes, hardly know the 'ins' and 'outs' of this job. And here I am, set down in the middle of the people you've chosen, a great people—far too many to ever count.
"Here's what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?”
God, the Master, was delighted with Solomon's response. And God said to him, "Because you have asked for this and haven't grasped after a long life, or riches, or the doom of your enemies, but you have asked for the ability to lead and govern well, I'll give you what you've asked for—I'm giving you a wise and mature heart. There's never been one like you before; and there'll be no one after. As a bonus, I'm giving you both the wealth and glory you didn't ask for—there's not a king anywhere who will come up to your mark. And if you stay on course, keeping your eye on the life-map and the God-signs as your father David did, I'll also give you a long life."
Scripture quotations from The Message. ©1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We were sitting at the dinner table recently, and Timothy began to ask for something… but nobody understood what he was saying. He grew increasingly frustrated. We offered several options, and he would shake his little head, “No!” We could not give him what he desired, because we didn’t understand what he was saying.
So often, it’s not that God doesn’t understand what we are asking of Him… it’s more that we are asking for the wrong things! A news reporter posted the question on Facebook, “Would you give up billions of dollars so that you could marry the person you love? One woman gave up billions!” Sadly, I think many people would choose the billions over marrying the person they loved… and certainly over seeking a “God-listening heart.”
Go back and read in Genesis about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and you will see that self-centered, self-serving behavior is nothing new. But if you continue reading your Bible, you will find great examples of people who served God unconditionally… with a genuine heart for God… like David and his son, Solomon.
David and Solomon were not perfect… but God saw their hearts were pure and totally committed to Him. Do you desire a “God-listening heart” that hears His voice? Does God’s voice discern good and evil for you and help you make wise decisions? Is your eye on the life-map and God-signs? Do you listen for His leadership as you witness to others? Are you more like Solomon and David… or Adam and Eve? What – and Who – are you worshipping? Will God grant you a wise and mature heart… and more… for your faithfulness? Where is your heart these days?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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