A Discerning Heart

By Emily Goss

Solomon asked for this-- this one thing. 

God told Solomon that he could ask for anything he wanted, and he would give it to him. Can you imagine? The God of the universe appears to you in a dream and gives you one wish?! Not sure why I am thinking of a genie and a lamp right now… but this was no magic lamp; it was the God of the universe, who has all authority in heaven and on earth!

“Whatever you want me to give you... ” And before Solomon rushes to his list of wants or needs, he praises God for what he already has. He praises God for his faithfulness (1 Kings 3:6) and then he follows it up with his need. Solomon says, “But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out all my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count in number” (1 Kings 3:7-8).

Ever felt this way? God, I don’t know how to carry out all my duties. And need I remind you, God, that you got me into this predicament in the first place? I’m here among the people you have chosen after all. I’m here doing your work…

“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?” (1 Kings 3:9) 

Instead of asking for more resources or ability to complete his calling, Solomon does something startling. Solomon asks for a “discerning heart.”  When given a chance to have anything in the world, he asks God for wisdom. 

In a way, aren’t we as moms “governing a great people?” Do we not feel (as Solomon did), that we do not know how to carry out all of our “duties?” Ever feel a little over your head with the responsibility God has entrusted you with? 

After Solomon asked for a discerning heart, the Bible says (verse 10) that “the Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.” 

As a mom, maybe you feel like you are lacking in this area (I know I do). James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without fault, and it will be given to you.”

When you feel your calling is just too much to bear. When you feel outnumbered. When you feel unable to carry out all of your duties. When you feel as if there is just not enough of you to go around. Maybe it is time to throw your hands up in the air and say, “God, I am lacking and I know it. I need your wisdom to make it through this day. Give me a discerning heart as you did Solomon.” 

Ask him for the ability to distinguish right from wrong and the courage to model that for your children in your day to day, messy, beautiful life. 

His promise is clear and we know Him to be true to his word. He will “give generously to all who ask.”


Word of the Day:
“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?” 1 Kings 3:9

Prayer:
Almighty God, you are all-knowing and all-powerful. Thank you for meeting me where I am and seeing my need. I ask for a discerning heart today, Lord. Give me wisdom to govern this great people of yours. Amen.

---