Getting It.
Good Morning Friends,
If you had one wish what would you ask for? We have all heard stories of the Genie in the Bottle. What happens to Solomon in today’s Bible reading is similar in some respects to this story. Maybe if I were crafty enough I could come up with the right wish that combined personal gain with strength, health, riches, fame, beauty and intelligence. Most likely I would mess it up for there is a danger in even asking for wisdom and knowledge to rule.
But first we have to understand what wisdom is and what it is not. What I have learned is that wisdom is very practical but is not common sense. It is about what to do, how to do it and most importantly why it is being done. Wisdom is much more than data but is not mystical either. Friends, when it comes to wisdom we should be more intentional but not lustful about Getting It.
Scripture: That night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, ‘Ask what I should give you.’ Solomon said to God, ‘You have shown great and steadfast love to my father David, and have made me succeed him as king. O Lord God, let your promise to my father David now be fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of yours?’ God answered Solomon, ‘Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honour, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may rule my people over whom I have made you king,
2 Chronicles 1:7-11 (NRSV)
Message: There is a connection between prayer and wisdom and finishing well. The harsh reality is that even if we are wise it is no guarantee that we will act wisely. Perhaps the only way to act wisely is to be in prayer…fearing God enough to submit to the will of the Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer. But that is more difficult than we might imagine. The need for grace is unmistakable. Even though wisdom comes from God and is offered to those who ask for it, acting wisely is still a challenge. Know this…it is absolutely impossible to have Godly wisdom apart from God. That is why we must remain connected in prayer. Constantly seeking God’s will and purpose in our lives in ways that honor our Maker.
Pray we have purpose in our place that honors God. Pray we take God serious. Pray we are more concerned with what God thinks is right than what people think is right. Pray we realize that we are not at the exact center of the universe, but that God is. Pray we are honest. Pray we have the right priorities. Pray that God guide our decisions.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 