Ask For His Help
Going on in 1 Kings 3 today, after Solomon has said "thank You God for being so kind," he then says this in verse seven, "Now, Lord my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child, and do not know how to carry out my duties."
He wasn't a little child, but he felt that he wasn't up to it. And I think his humility here is something that struck me. His actions in the previous chapter show that he actually was quite ready for the job, but still he felt that he wasn't ready enough, and still he retains this sense of humility—asking God to bless him because in and of himself he didn't have what it took.
The Balance of Authority and Humility
I wondered again as I thought about my own prayers, if this same spirit of humility undergirds my prayers. I've heard Christians pray with great boldness and authority, and there's a place for that. But it should never make us arrogant. It should never make us think much of ourselves. We have authority only because it is Christ who has authority, and we are His people. But that should humble us and make us even more amazed at Him, and even more determined to step out of the way for Him to be the One who gets the glory.
Solomon here says, "I'm just a nobody. I'm just doing my thing. Please help." And that sort of spirit of humility and asking for help is something that I long for. And maybe it is for you as well.
Daily Dependence on God's Wisdom
So he asks God for a discerning heart and the ability to govern his people, which was a great thing to ask. He asked for God's help. And some people are too proud to ask for help, even from God! But friends, maybe our days should be filled with prayers asking for God's help. Maybe every day we should say, "Lord, I don't know how to carry out my duties, but come and help me. Please come and give me a discerning heart as I work, as I lead, as I do what I do."
So may it be that, like Solomon, our prayers today are filled with thanks for God's kindness and with humble asking for His help. God answered Solomon's prayer and I know He'll answer ours as well today, as we come to Him in faith.
