If God asked you at this moment, “What shall I give you?” what would you say? Would you ask for riches, health, or something someone else needs? Would you be overwhelmed by such an offer, knowing God has the ability to fulfill your request?
This is what Solomon faced in 2 Chronicles 1 after he had offered sacrifices to God at Gibeon, the location of the tabernacle (3-6). He had recently replaced David as King “and the LORD his God was with him and exalted him greatly (1, NASB).” That night God appeared to Solomon and proposed that question to him.
As the new King, he certainly could’ve asked for more riches, wealth, honor, long life, or death to his enemies (11). What do you seek from God when things are going well and you feel like King of the world? Do you desire more riches, long life, or the destruction of your enemies? When things are not going well, do you demand that God fix things and restore what you’ve lost?
Solomon does neither. “Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours (10),” he asked God. First he humbly worshiped God with sacrifices at Gibeon, then that night he humbly asked God to give him wisdom and knowledge.
Whether you’re on top of the world, or feeling crushed by it, humbly go before God and worship him. Sacrifice your selfish wishes. Ask God for His wisdom and knowledge to navigate the challenges you face this day. Seek to align yourself with God’s will.
For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. – Colossians 1:9, NASB
140 Character Christian 