“At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, ‘Ask what I shall give you.'” (1 Kings 3:5 ESV).
The author of Kings recorded that the Lord appeared to Solomon at Gibeon after he had offered a thousand burnt offerings on the bronze altar at the great high place. Solomon’s sacrifice was acceptable because the Tabernacle remained at Gibeon, even though the ark was in Jerusalem. His worship expressed his genuine love for God. This unusual period in Israel’s history would eventually end when Solomon built the Temple and reunited the ark with the furnishings of the Tabernacle. During this encounter, God invited Solomon, “Ask what I shall give you.” This was not because God lacked knowledge of Solomon’s heart. Rather, it was an opportunity for Solomon to express his priorities. Instead of asking for wealth, power, or long life, Solomon requested wisdom to govern God’s people. His request demonstrated humility, dependence on God, and concern for others. The Lord was pleased with Solomon’s answer because it reflected a heart aligned with God’s purposes.
We face decisions every day that require more than human understanding. Like Solomon, we need wisdom from above. James encouraged believers, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God” (James 1:5). God delights in giving wisdom to those who ask in faith. Too often, we ask for comfort, success, or personal advantage when our greater need is wisdom to know and do God’s will. As we seek the Lord in prayer and His Word, He shapes our desires and teaches us to value what matters most. Ultimately, Christ is the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24). Therefore, asking God for wisdom is more than seeking better judgment. It is seeking to know Christ more deeply and follow Him more faithfully. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we learn to think, choose, and live according to God’s wisdom. Therefore, let us make it our daily habit of asking God for the wisdom and mind of Christ.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for inviting us to come boldly before You with our needs. Forgive us for relying on our own understanding. Give us wisdom to make decisions that honor You and serve others well. Help us ask in faith, trusting Your generous provision. Teach us to treasure Christ, who is the wisdom of God, and to follow Him faithfully each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.