Wisdom over Weakness

Reading of the Day 4/8/25: 1 Kings 1-3

1 Kings 3:9: Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

Solomon, king David's son, officially becomes king after his father in these chapters! The rightful heir that The Lord appointed & anointed has finally taken the throne after having to defend his place & position from those who tried to steal it (as did David his father). Solomon was well aware of the struggles his father faced, and on David's death bed, he told Solomon of all those that were yet to be judged for their sins against God & His anointed. David was a man of mercy of course, and during David's reign, that was the time for mercy on those individuals. But, there would be a time coming when many would be held accountable. Solomon's reign would require similar responsibilities to that of his father, but he would also be presented with new challenges which his father did not face. Solomon knew he had big shoes to fill, and he was a bit intimidated by the expectations placed upon him as king. He had insecurites, knowing his father was a much-beloved king and people expected the same, if not more, from Solomon: 1 Kings 1:36-37: "And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, Amen: the LORD God of my lord the king say so too. As the LORD hath been with my lord the king, even so be he with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David." So, Solomon does something very wise-he askes for wisdom! After sacrificing greatly unto The Lord, God sees he is faithful & humble before Him & asks what Solomon desires. Instead of asking for riches, he asks for wisdom! The wisdom of The Lord is what is going to help us in those times of weakness & insecurity. The wisdom of God will help us in the times of our greatest challenges, more than anything else we could ask for! Instead of continuing to feel defeated, feeling as though his calling is too great for him, Solomon decides to turn to The Lord and ask for this precious gift of wisdom & understanding! Let us lean upon His wisdom in those times as well, and know that when we are not feeling good enough, God is good enough! His wisdom is enough to help us in any time of weakness!