“Ask something of me and I will give it to you,” (1Kings 3:5)

How would you respond if God made a similar offer to you?  

God made this very offer to Solomon who had just become Israel’s new King.  Soloman replied in complete humility, “O Lord my God, you have made your servant, king to succeed my father, David; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act. Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.  For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?” (1Kings 3: 7, 9)    

While God offered him whatever he wanted, Solomon did not choose the things people might usually think of first such as wealth and power, or good health and a long life. Rather, he acknowledged his lack of experience and need for wisdom as he began to serve as King.

When approaching God with a request, we might want to follow Solomon’s example and come humbly, acknowledging our true status and need.  Solomon characterized himself as a “mere youth.”  How appropriate when coming before God!  Jesus said unless we become as little children we will never enter the kingdom of God.

We may not always understand what to request, confusing wants and desires with real needs.  Solomon was overwhelmed with the task he was about to face as a young and new king.  That is not necessarily a bad place to be since it helped him recognize his needs in contrast to his desires.

One other thing Solomon did in his request was to leave God some room to act in what would be in his best interests. Solomon did not ask to be a successful king.  He asked for wisdom and a discerning heart.  Scripture tells us that God was pleased with Solomon’s request and gave him not only what he asked for, but also what he didn’t ask for including riches and honor. 

Centuries later we hear the echo of this same response when Jesus says we should not worry about what to eat or drink or wear, but “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) Jesus tells us in the Lord’s Prayer to pray for God’s will to be done.  Seeking God’s will in all things may be the highest priority in our lives.  It far surpasses the world’s priorities of wealth, fame, and power. 

If God told you to ask for anything, what would it be?