A devotional by Monique M. Anderson
“Now, O Lord my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around.”—1 Kings 3:7 (NLT)
If you are a Christian who goes to church and reads the Bible, then you probably have heard the story of Solomon. He was the king of Israel who asked God for wisdom to rule the nation. God not only blessed him with wisdom but also gave him riches and long life. We all learned the lesson from this story that when you ask God for what you truly need, He will bless you beyond measure giving you more than you even asked for.
However, while reading 1 Kings recently something different stood out to me. It was Solomon’s humble and vulnerable spirit in 1 Kings 3:7 that really pricked my heart. Solomon was just anointed as king of an entire nation. Imagine yourself in Solomon’s shoes. You’ve just been placed in a highly appointed position as king over an entire nation after the reign of your father (King David). God makes you ruler over His people and gives you power to govern. A position of this magnitude could have anyone’s ego running wild. When people are given positions of power, it often goes to their head. However, Solomon’s approach to this role was very modest.
God appeared to Solomon in a dream and asked him what he wants. Let’s pause there for a second and appreciate the blessing in that. Oftentimes we go to God asking for what we want. Can you imagine God coming to you asking for what you want? What a blessing.
The Bible often references how much God loves a humble heart.
“A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.”
—Proverbs 29:23 (NKJV)
Solomon’s response to God’s question is very humbling. First, Solomon acknowledges what God has already done for him (1 Kings 3:7). Recognizing what God has already done for you shows reverence to God. Next, King Solomon admits his inadequacy for the role, referring to himself as a “little child”. He acknowledges the fact that he has no leadership experience and was undeserving of the position. He realized to do this job well, he needs God.
Solomon understood he needed something more than just the riches and lavish appearance of being a king. He needed an “understanding heart” to govern the people well. Solomon wanted to please God, and not just look the part. In 1 Kings 3:9 (NLT), he admits, “For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?”
In other words, he was admitting to God that he had no idea what he’s doing. Solomon was asking God for the help that only He could give. There was no ego, there were no erratic emotions, just his bare vulnerability. Solomon was aware of the great responsibility placed in his hands. He recognized that there was no way he could do this alone or in his own strength. This humility led Solomon to not only being the wisest king of Israel, but also the richest.
When we ask God for what we need, and we recognize that we are not worthy of being used for such a great task, He will not only give us the ability to complete the task, but He will give us provision along the way.
Whatever role God gives you, more than likely it will be something much bigger than you. It will be a position of influence and great responsibility. You will have no idea what you’re doing. Humble yourself before the Lord and ask for His wisdom and understanding for the assignment. Don’t allow the title to run you, but instead run to God and He will be sure to give you more than you can ask think or imagine.
Let’s Pray: Father God, I thank you for wanting to use me. Thank you for seeing value in me for what you need me to do in this world. Humble my heart and give me the strength to be vulnerable enough to seek your guidance, wisdom, and help. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.
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Author Bio:
Monique is a writer, wife, and bonus mom to a 14 year old. She just recently unleashed her always present yet hidden talent of writing to the masses. She was born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY where she still resides, and serves on the prayer team of her church The Gathering Harlem.
Slowly but surely God’s love started to cast out all fear. She started to consistently update her bi- weekly blog yourstrulymoe.com. Her obedience led to further revelation. God revealed to her that he would use her to help others along their walk the same way God helped her along hers. Since Monique did not grow up in church she always felt intimidated by the Christian life. She thought that she would be losing so much of herself, not realizing that she would actually find her TRUE self.
Since God has shown her who he really created her to be, she now feels it is her life’s work to help those that are taking their first baby steps in this walk with Christ. She is doing so through her blog, and soon to be published book. She is excited to extend her reach to podcasts and speaking engagements in the near future.
Her blog is the stepping stone to fulfilling the vision God gave to her – “Sharing God’s revelations so we can all reflect his image and fulfill his purpose.”
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Connect with Monique:
Website: www.yourstrulymoe.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourstruly__moe/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Yours-Truly-Moe-140255684101423
