"That night the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, "What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you?" 1 Kings 3:5
Solomon was asked the million dollar question, "What do you want?" The question is loaded with possibilities, isn't it? Solomon, even in his sleep knew what he really needed. He evaluated himself honestly. He was young and inexperienced. He also knew his track record in decision making left a lot to be desired. In a political move, he married Pharaoh's daughter. To accommodate the worship of the people he allowed sacrifices to be made in various places, even places where sacrifices to foreign gods were made. Oh, yes this was a 20-year-old who needed a great deal of wisdom.
Then God showed off. Solomon demonstrated wisdom in asking for it so God blessed him immeasurably. He was blessed with understanding, wealth, fame, and a long life. Wisdom was a wise thing to ask for but I believe God looked at the motive for which the wisdom was asked. Solomon did not ask for wisdom so that he might gain anything for himself. He asked for wisdom so that he might lead God's people.
I paused when I read the million question. "What would I ask God to give me?", I pondered. In all honesty, the things that flooded my mind only benefited me, not the body of Christ. However, I am in agreement with Solomon's prayer. Wisdom is something that I seek and would qualify more as a longing.
Proverbs personifies wisdom. I can't wait until we get to that book in our reading. But for now I want to share my favorite verse from Proverbs concerning wisdom. King Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs, as you read this verse and reflect upon his dream it is easy to see when he penned 8:35 he had learned the truth of the proverb from experience and I have learned it, too.
For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.
How would you answer the million dollar question?
9 Comments:
Wendy, I loved this passage! His Word encouraged me and excited me here. I haven't read it in quite a while and I was so excited to read it.
This is a similar prayer (asking for wisdom and discernment) that I have been praying for our children for months and months. Yesterday when I prayed it again, it had fresh meaning to me as it brought to mind what Solomon asked for. I thank the Lord for His wisdom and discernment.
Coffee's on...time to go read today's scripture readings!
Desiring a discerning heart,
Sharon
Wendy and Sharon, I too loved this! When I was reading your post Wendy and you asked, "What would I ask for?" The first thing that popped into my mind was salvation for my husband and for him to be the spiritual leader of our home. That is the number one thing on my prayer list, along with patience and wisdom for me as I wait on God's timing and grow into a godly wife myself. His salvation and me being a light for Christ to him is more important to me than anything. God is working. This past Sunday was the first time we had to teach my son's 4 year old Sunday school class. John did great and on the way home said he really enjoyed doing it. We will be doing it every third Sunday of the month and the fact that he is going and doing that with me is all God working! Next month our week falls on Father's Day and I am so excited he will be at church with Will and I on that day :)
Hope you all have a blessed day. Today is Will's last day of preschool so I am going to spend it at my kitchen table scrapbooking :)
Blessings,
Brandee
Good morning girls! While reading the "million dollar question" a verse from Job came to my mind concerning wisdom.
Job 28:12 But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell?
Job 28:23 God understands the way to it and He alone knows where it dwells.
Only God can give wisdom, although many may seek it, there is only One who can give it. I believe that Solomon inherited his father David's heart, a heart toward God. He wanted to please God when leading His people...can you imagine the responsibility? It would feel huge! I really look forward to studying Solomon with a broader understanding.
Have a great day!
nancy
Boy, that is the million dollar question isn't it!!! I also stopped there as I read this passage, pondering what would have been/would be my response? I'm ashamed to say it would have reflected some selfishness I'm sure. Even desiring my Dad's health to be restored, I would have had myself in mind...longing to have MY life return all that it has lost over the past 12 weeks. If the Lord could give me anything...that is a soul-searching question. I'd love for my automatic response to be something with great spiritual depth, but I think honestly, it would be to live without fear. Yet, I type that and I hear the Lord saying, "Joy, I have already made that possible...fear has been your problem, not your portion." Wendy...great question to contemplate further.
My post today is from 1 Kings 3:7b, "I am like a little child who doesn't know (her) way around." Reaching for the compass of His Word, I'm needing His direction to step into my confusion with decisions that need to be made now.
I hear the lyrics to an old Gershwin song playing in my head: "I'm a little lamb who's lost in the wood..oh how I need, Someone to watch over me."
Trusting my True North,
Joy
PS. Brandee....SO excited about how the Lord is working in your husbands life. What a gift He has given you to allow your teaching week to fall on Father's Day...only God...only God! Praying with you.
It is so easy to want to throw our own wants out there when asked, I'm not sure what I would say now, but know there were times in my life I would have had very selfish motives.
My husband and I almost daily ask for Gods wisdom as we conduct our day, this scripture is what inspired us to do so.
Hope all is well with everyone.
Blessings,
Lynn
Loved your post today dear Wendy! Today's readings gave me so much to think over. Every morning I ask God for wisdom and guidance regarding my role in our home. But, quite honestly, I'd be like Brandee, I'm sure the first thing that would pop in my mind would be Dave's salvation.
It was part of God's plan that Solomon was to have this dream and He recorded this dream in the Bible for all of us to read. I'm wondering if God's purpose was to remind Solomon that He is the source of all wisdom, and without Him, he, or the rest of us, would be like children...not knowing good from bad & always-needing God's wisdom.
The part that stuck out to me was 3:3. Everything was going along good, and then we read the word,
"except." I paused when I read it. The NIV uses the word, "ONLY."
Sadly, his dream, did not build a real desire to be faithful to God. His own desires to please himself became greater than his desires to please God.
*He burnt incense in high places
*He did not marry of his own kind-he began to associate with Pharaoh, and married his daughter!
*all the horses bot from Pharoah was also against God's Law.
Maybe he was compromising his faith in order to get ahead politically and be more famous.
God asks us to "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all you soul and with all your strength." Deut 6:5...How many times do I profess this with my mouth...but, God knows my heart. He knows my thoughts and what I am actually thinking. Solomon, compromised himself and this was his first foothold of sin...eventually one gets pulled under if caught off guard.
Oh, to follow and study God's Word daily. It is the only way to stay alert!
I read something that really made me ponder even more:
"Compromise for us could include active involvements in secular organizations that rob us of time that could be invested in Christ-centered goals with the Church and other ministries." WOW!!! Knowing that 'clothes' shopping would fit into that 'secular activity.'
Truths, to really let sink in today dear girlfriends!
Hugs,
Lori - AZ
The million dollar question - how would I answer? No matter what my resonse would be, later I would look back and wish I had asked for something else... am I ever truly satisfied with my desires?
Even Solomon was wise enough to understand that all was in vain apart from God. (Eccl)
When I surrender my desires to His desires, only then will I find true contentment. "Lord, my desire is to do Your will with an understanding heart."
Wendy,
I love this verse.It really touched me to read it and i wrote it in my bible. We are gaining more wisdom and understanding as we study the word.Thank You again for this study.
Blessings,
Debra Z.
Wendy, I have been pondering your question. I guess when it all comes down to it, I would ask God to give me not only the desire to do only His will, but to actually do it too. I struggle with the second part so much.
Maybe because of where I am right now, several verses jumped out to me that I could use in my parenting. The first was 2 Chronicles 1:1. Solomon was able to take "firm control of his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him." How many times do I need to take firm control of my children's behavior and try to do it on my own. I need to seek God's help in doing this.
I also loved Solomon's prayers in 1 Kings 3:9 and 2 Chronicles 1:10. I am going to write them in my journal and begin praying these for leading my boys both in discipling and disciplining.
Hope you are all having a wonderful warm day. It's 86 here in Missouri. Whew!
Thanks again for the fellowship and friendship you all willingly share.
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