Making Hard ChoicesSample

Perhaps the most revealing moment in Solomon's journey comes when God essentially offers him a blank check: "Ask! What shall I give you?" (1 Kings 3:5) His response provides a master class in approaching God for wisdom. Instead of requesting wealth, power, or victory over his enemies, Solomon's answer revealed a heart of humility and authentic awareness of his need.

However, before we take a look at Solomon's response, there is something you must know. This divine encounter came to Solomon in a dream – while he rested. He wasn’t up roaming and wrestling with his next day's to-do list (which I’m sure was massive as a King), but instead he was leaving the burdens of yesterday right at the feet of God – the Creator. This detail is significant because it reveals an often-overlooked aspect of making wise choices: the importance of rest.

In our culture of constant activity, we frequently attempt to make crucial decisions while exhausted, stressed, and depleted. Yet here, we see God choosing to speak to Solomon during a time of deep rest.

This pattern of God speaking during times of rest isn't unique to Solomon's story. In Psalm 127:2 it says, "It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep." In my own walk with the Lord, I've noticed that His voice often comes clearest either during sleep or in those quiet moments just after waking. There's something powerful about being in that rested state where our hearts are still enough to hear His whispers.

Now, let’s look at Solomon's response to God’s initial question. In 1 Kings 3:7-9 Solomon confessed, "Now, O Lord my God, You have made me king instead of my father David, but I am like a little child who doesn't know his way around," Consider the vulnerability of this moment – a king, positioned at the height of earthly power, approaching God with the humility of a child. This teaches us something profound about seeking wisdom: true wisdom begins with acknowledging our limitations.

Also, it’s important to know that Solomon's request was remarkably specific. In 1 Kings 3:9 it says, 'Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong.' Notice how he clearly articulated both what he needed (an understanding heart) and why he needed it (to govern well and discern right from wrong). This pattern of expressing both the what and the why of our requests reveals our heart's motives and helps align our desires with God's purposes.

God's response to Solomon's request teaches us another vital lesson about seeking wisdom. In 1 Kings 3:11-12 it says, 'Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself... behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart.' When we seek wisdom primarily to serve others and honor God, He often exceeds our expectations in His response.

Pause and Ponder: What specific area of your life needs to be brought before God with childlike humility, asking for His wisdom and understanding?