Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours? (2 Chron. 1:10)
I LOVE TO BE IN CHARGE. I like to handle all of the details, to make decisions, and to guide others in achieving a common goal. Oftentimes it is my own selfish nature that leads me to desire a position of power. We don’t find that selfish nature in our Scripture passage today. Solomon had to follow his father David as king, a man who was beloved by his people and by God, even if he didn’t make all the right decisions.
Solomon could have asked to be loved like his father, to have success in battle, or to be the greatest king his people had ever seen. Instead, he asked for wisdom and knowledge. Those two values are what we still seek in leaders today, and what we should seek in our own lives. But how often do we come to God with our own list of wants and needs, no matter how noble they may seem, without ever taking the time to pray about what we might really need.
What is it you really need from God in your life? Is it material things, or could you need wisdom and knowledge to be able to face whatever may come? We could use more wise and knowledgeable people in our world, and maybe we should start asking God for wisdom.
Seek God’s wisdom and knowledge through prayer and Scripture.
Sara Galyon and her husband Philip both serve in youth ministry in the north Alabama area. Her family enjoys traveling, baseball, and serving God together.
© 2018 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
