The Request God Honors - King Solomon

“Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?”

1 Kings 3:9

Life can feel overwhelming. Everything comes at you so fast that sometimes you don’t know what to do. Bills, appointments, accidents, meetings, illnesses, travel, and maintenance can all start piling up and threatening to bury you under a mountain of responsibilities. How can you cope?

The newly crowned King Solomon knew the feeling.

As Solomon prepared to succeed his father, David, as king of Israel, he knew that he couldn’t handle the task. As he prayed, he openly acknowledged that he felt like a lost child. The responsibilities before him looked too great.

Solomon didn’t have to think twice when God asked him what he most wanted for himself. He could have asked for anything—a long life, riches, revenge on his enemies. Instead, he focused on his most immediate need for wisdom and understanding.

God liked what he heard and gave Solomon exactly what he had asked for—and more. God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond that of any other man, and then he gave him riches, fame, respect, and a long life (see 1 Kings 3:11-14).

Solomon’s request for wisdom pleased God beyond measure, and such a request still pleases him today. When you feel overwhelmed with life, just remember the example of Solomon, who once felt the same way and knew what he needed if he wanted to handle the job before him.

Business responsibilities, home requirements, family commitments, neighborhood activities . . . what usually causes you to feel you might be going under? If you want to please God in every area of your life, you have a critical need for wisdom. Fortunately, your loving, generous God is always happy to give you that gift as long as you place your faith firmly in him when you ask for it (see James 1:5-6).