Heart's Desire
7 And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. 9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?" 10 It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this.
(1 Kings 3:7-10)
As King David neared the end of his life, his oldest living son, Adonijah, named himself as the next king - as would have been the normal order. However, David named his son with Bathsheba, Solomon, as his successor. After David's death - in order to cement his position without fear of being overthrown - Solomon had Adonijah, and those in leadership who had taken his side, killed. When the dust settled from the familial turmoil, offering Solomon a moment to relax from the strain of stepping into a purpose that everyone didn't want for him, Solomon had a dream. In this dream, God appeared and gave Solomon the opportunity to ask for anything. In a moment of clarity Solomon offered humble and insightful words, thanking God, acknowledging his own inexperience, and asking for God's help to lead the people well. And God was pleased.
Pleasing God can sometimes seem like something in our wildest dreams. Our struggle to secure for ourselves smooth paths without opposition may cloud our heart's true desires. However, most of us want what, at his core, Solomon wanted: an understanding mind (in some versions, a listening heart) and the ability to discern between good and evil - in others, in our circumstances, in ourselves. When we reset our focus from selfishness to service, and honestly give God our fears and hopes, we will find ourselves fulfilled and equipped for all that God calls us to do and be - to the glory and pleasure of God.
1 Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. 2 Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. 3 Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. 4 He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the LORD is gracious and merciful. 5 He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant. 6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations. 7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. 8 They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. 9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name. 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever. (Psalm 111)
