He is overwhelmed by the task before him. Solomon has just become king and has consolidated the kingdom under his rule. When God appears to him in a dream, we learn about Solomon’s heart. God tests him by asking, “Ask what you wish Me to give you (1 Kings 3:5).”
When we are overwhelmed by life, it often reveals what’s in our heart. God is ever present, telling us to ask him what we wish him to do. He is steadfast, wanting us to share what’s on our heart. How Solomon responds to God is instructive on how we should respond to God encouraging us to reach out in prayer to Him.
In 1 Kings 3:6-15 Solomon reveals his response. In verse 6, he reflects on what God has done for his father David and for him. He counts his blessings, remembering God’s faithfulness. Then he humbles himself before God, admitting, “I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in (7).” Solomon shares the overwhelming nature of the task before him of ruling over “a great people who are too many to be numbered or counted (8).” He asks for God’s wisdom, not his own: “So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours (9)?”
When you feel overwhelmed, follow Solomon’s approach. Reflect on how God has blessed you, how he has brought you to this moment. Humble yourself before God and open your heart to him about your insecurities and doubts. Know that you don’t have to handle it alone. Ask God to give you His wisdom to discern between good and evil and an understanding of His will for your life.
© 2021, CGThelen
140 Character Christian 
Praying to God and admitting that we can’t do it without Him enables us to rely on God alone.
A great and encouraging message. Glad to read this.
Thanks for reading. May we remain humble toward God and rely on Him. Blessings.
Solomon had sincere humility when he first became king. This reminds me of what can happen when we get wrapped up in what we’re doing instead of continuing to rely on the Lord. Somewhere along the way this humility disappeared. Great post! Blessings!
Solomon is a lesson for us on staying vigilant in seeking God’s wisdom. Thanks for the comment. Blessings.
Solomon’s example serves as an excellent model for our own prayer time with God.
May we continue to seek God’s wisdom. Blessings.
What a great reminder that, no matter our situation, we can always pray for wisdom; and God will answer: ” let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1.5
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Sometimes it is hard for me to humble myself and ask God for help. It is a continual process to seek His wisdom. Blessings.
Looking back at all the times God has provided, had my back, ,went before me, kept me, blessed much more than I deserved makes a heart glad and builds faith for the future. With Him all things are possible.
That so true. It’s reassuring to look back and see how God has protected and cared for me — more than I deserve. Praise God! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Blessings.
Thank you, CG. I have read this passage many times but never broke it down into the three steps. Reflect on God’s blessings. Humble yourself before him. Ask the Lord for wisdom. I wrote this down in my prayer journal under the title, “Solomon’s Steps.”
God’s best to you!
May we continue to humbly seek God’s wisdom. Thanks for reading. Blessings.
This is a great reflection on Solomon and feeling overwhelmed in life. There is a similarity to Paul with his “thorn in the flesh” and hard life, yet he stayed content.
Yes, Paul is another good example. So many people in the Bible show us how to seek God through adversity. Thanks for the comment. Blessings.