At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” 1 Kings 3:5
Every Monday the Senior Management Team of our church staff has lunch together following our morning meeting. The scenario is always the same: I ask, “Where would you guys like to have lunch today?” Nobody claims to care where we eat, just so long as we eat. But when we are at restaurant, looking at the menu, someone will say how tired they are of eating there and they wish we could go somewhere else. I always say, “Speak up next time! I want to take you someplace you like, so tell me specially where you want to go.”
It isn’t that big of a deal when it’s just a restaurant menu, but what about the things we need in life that only God can give? At Gibeon, the Lord very clearly said to Solomon, “Ask! What shall I give you?” It is apparent that Solomon was ready with an answer: “Give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil” (Kings 3:9). The opportunity could have been squandered on self, but Solomon knew what he really needed was wisdom for leadership. God gave Solomon exactly what he asked for, plus so much more.
Over and over in the New Testament we are told by God to ask and we shall receive. We are also told, “You do not have because you do not ask,” and sometimes when we do ask, we ask with the wrong motives and our desires are totally self-centered (James 4:2, 3). God is not like a genie in a bottle, a great slot machine in the sky, or even a kindly, old grandfather figure that passes out gifts to his children. But He is the God of this universe and He does stand ready to meet the needs of His children who trust Him and will ask Him specifically for the real desires of their heart. Just ask Him.
Father, help me think deeply about this passage today. Had I been in Solomon’s position, it would have been tempting to ask for all the “stuff” that brings temporary pleasure. Help the desires of my heart be the desires You have for me. Help me ask, believe, and receive the things that will first bring You glory and then bring me good. Just like Solomon, I ask for the wisdom to lead and care for Your people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.