Profoundly Simple But Wise

I like things that are fairly simple. For example, if I purchase something that needs to be assembled, I will first look to see if I can figure out how to put it together. If it has a lot of parts, I will read the step-by-step directions. I have learned over the years that there are lots of situations where I need to read the directions very carefully. I can save myself a lot of time and frustration if I will read the instructions and follow them closely.

Solomon was made King of Israel to succeed his Dad, David. I’m sure he was thrown into a lot of situations where he didn’t know protocol. He had around him some great leaders from his Dad’s administration. He really connected with the Lord in a dream near Gibeon. Check this out…

5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

6 Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.

7 “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. (1 Kings 3:5-10 NIV)

Solomon’s request was quite simple – he asked for a discerning heart. I really believe that Solomon gave quite an example to me for how to pray throughout the day. Andy Stanley wrote a good book back in 2004 called “The Best Question Ever” and it was practical guide to discernment. This is one of those books that I could have skipped to last chapter to find out the best question ever. If you don’t want me to spoil the suspense, you should stop reading now.

I have found myself asking this question many times over since reading that book a few years back. Andy says that in every situation or circumstance you face, you should ALWAYS ask God: “What is the wise thing to do?” I believe in this simple yet profound question/prayer. I can simply ask the Lord for what the next step is or what my response should be.

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5 NIV)

I’m praying that I can walk with the Lord in wisdom and discernment. I realize that sometimes the situations call for a quick decision, but the Lord can also be quick in His answer to me. I need the wisdom that God generously pours out every day – every hour. I really want His hand all over me and I seek to help others and lead others.

Pressing On!

Dwayne