It seems like an incredibly strange time to ask such a ponderous question. Solomon had to be exhausted, his brain in overdrive. The maelstrom of recent events surely had his mind asking questions, but finding no definitive answers. Before his death, King David had assigned Solomon the tremendous task of building the temple. In spite of all the preparations already in place, where, exactly, does one start such a daunting task? He’d attentively listened to the speeches and blessings and prayers of his late father, mentally storing the words for later recall. So why couldn’t he remember them now? He could barely remember his own coronation and speeches, sacrifices, and offerings. The mantle of kingly responsibility now rested heavily on his shoulders. The people were depending on him. His abilities. His guidance. His leadership. In the morning he’d be expected to act like the king, but how does a king act? How do you rule fairly? On what do you base decisions? How do you judge between people? What do you say when you don’t have a ready answer?
Because we know the rest of the story, it is often difficult for us to see King Solomon, the wealthy and wise, burdened by a heart full of indecisive questions. It is unlikely he wasn’t. Sequestered in his room that night, pacing the floor, attempting to sleep, or gazing out a window lost in thought, Solomon got a visit. I wonder what he expected to hear when God showed up. Words of advice? A list of choices and consequences? A reiteration of the law? I don’t know. However, it is unlikely a stretch to think Solomon was surprised when the Lord said, “Ask me for anything. What do you want me to give you?” (II Chronicles 1:7)
Surely his human mind scrambled for the right answer. What should he say? Was this a trick question? What was the catch? Was it a test? Would he really get whatever he asked? And for what should he ask? Is this request for himself or for his entire kingdom? What was something they all needed and would benefit them for years to come?
Interestingly, Solomon didn’t answer the Lord immediately. He had to find his faith. Mulling over his options, he verbally ruminates on the exhibitions of the great and faithful love of God. It seems like he’s reminding God. He’s not. Solomon is reminding himself. He’s reassuring himself that God is trustworthy and keeps his promises. His own coronation was a case in point. It was the fulfillment of God’s promise to keep David’s descendant on the throne of Israel. That remembrance was the moment faith dawned. You can almost see it when you read the passage, almost audibly hear the click as faith takes over the wheel. He knew the God who had kept all those promises to His people in the past would follow through on His word this time too. God would give him whatever he asked. And ask he did! Not for greater power, more money, or higher status among the surrounding nations. No. Solomon asked for the one thing he needed most. Wisdom. (II Chronicles 1:7-10)
Perhaps you have no trouble believing wisdom was the first thing that crossed Solomon’s mind. Me? I’m not so sure. He was human, after all. There were a million other things he could have asked for. Things we’d all think about before we considered wisdom an option. Wealth. Health. Power. Safety. Better behaved neighbors. The list is pretty much endless. Yet, after a quick mental tally of things he needed and wanted, Solomon had the wisdom to ask for wisdom. God’s wisdom. The kind that trumps human thought processes, deductive reasoning, and common sense. Solomon asked for wisdom to hear God’s speaking voice, see His guiding hand. And his request was granted. (II Chronicles 1:8-13)
Solomon earns my respect on this request alone. I’m afraid I wouldn’t handle the opportunity so well. I’d be tempted to blurt out the first thing that came to mind. I most certainly would have to reign in my humanity. I’d have to block out the silly, temporary, earth-focused matters. I’d have to sift through all the things that seem so important and necessary and impossible to live without because I desperately need wisdom. Not just for parenting, or problem solving, or choosing a career path. I need wisdom to ask for the proper things. Wisdom to guide my request choice. Wisdom for asking.
So often we are guilty of accosting God like the mythical genie-in-a-bottle. We adamantly pray for our wants and wishes. The new car when our old one is fine. A bigger house when the one we live in is sufficient. Three hundred dollars for a new designer handbag, pair of shoes, or tickets to a ballgame. We ask for silly things. Beg for them, really. Things we don’t need. Things that aren’t useful. Things that fail to enrich our spiritual journey. Requests that wildly cry out how desperately we need wisdom prior to asking. (James 4:3)
Sensing this deficit in the human mindset, James was compelled to write, “If you find yourself lacking in wisdom, ask God for more.” (James 1:5) Perhaps it would have been more accurate to use the word, “when”. “When you find yourself lacking in wisdom”…because we all find ourselves there. You. Me. Everyone. Admit it. Wits’ end is a place with which we are all very, very familiar. The truth is we rarely know what to do, how to handle things, where to turn. We are often confused, conflicted, confounded. But God is not. He is never left wondering what to do. And He is willing to share His wisdom. Liberally. (James 1:5; “God gives wisdom liberally to all who ask.”)
Isn’t that the best word? Liberally. I love it in this context. Not every translation uses it. They should. It speaks of more, of excess. Like the enormous layer of cream cheese on my bagel. Like the overflowing pile of whipped cream on my daughter’s ice cream. Like the copious amounts of coffee I consume. Like the faithful love of God poured out on us over and over and over again. The word “liberally” speaks to the overabundant generosity of God when granting us wisdom to ask for what we truly need, for what will benefit our souls most, for what will positively impact our eternity. Wisdom that knows the difference between wants and needs, desires and demands, earthly and heavenly. Wisdom for asking and faith to believe it will be so.
Because faith is a vital part of the equation. Solomon had to summon the faith to believe his request would be granted. James reiterates that need. “Ask in strong, unwavering faith. Believe God will grant your request for wisdom. Do not doubt.” (James 1:6) Don’t be timid. Don’t be embarrassed. Don’t be afraid. Come boldly before God. Make your request. Ask for wisdom. Believe you will receive it. Liberally. And you will. (Hebrews 4:16)
I don’t know what you would ask for if you were in Solomon’s shoes. Perhaps you are so composed and mature you wouldn’t just blurt out the first thing that came to your mind. Perhaps you would take some time to think, ponder, reflect, weigh the pros and cons of your options. Perhaps you know yourself so well you would automatically ask for something sensible. Bless you!
But maybe you are like me. A little rash. A bit quick to choose. Maybe it takes all of your strength to zip your lips and contemplate the asking before you do it. I hope you do. I hope you use your strength that way. I hope you wait and ask God for direction in prayer. I hope you ask Him for wisdom. Wisdom for circumstances, choices, chances. Wisdom for life and love. Wisdom for every situation you face. Wisdom before you ask, as you ask, and after you ask. I hope you experience the liberal outpouring of God’s faithfulness, love and wisdom every day, all day, in every circumstance. (Proverbs 2:1-6; Proverbs 3:13; Ecclesiastes 7:12; James 3:17; Ephesians 1:16-18)
Teach, Naomi!!!