What one thing would you ask God to give to you? It’s a pretty amazing offer, isn’t it? It is not the fantasy of finding a genie in a bottle and being granted three wishes. When God actually told Solomon that he could ask for anything he wanted, he asked God for wisdom.
The text tells us that God was pleased with this request. Solomon could have asked for great wealth or a long life or the easy defeat of his enemies. Instead, Solomon recognized the importance of governing with care and with justice. He knew that such a task would be challenging and that he had very little experience. So he asked for the one thing he needed most: wisdom.
God did grant wisdom to Solomon, a king who was known in his lifetime for the many ways in which he acted and judged wisely. While late in his life Solomon made some unwise decisions and choices, most of his years are marked by a careful, God-given, God-honoring, wise, and discerning heart. That is quite a legacy.
God is not generally in the business of granting wishes to us. We mistake the role of prayer when we use it to lay out a list of all the things we want God to give us. However, Jesus teaches us, “Ask and it will be given” (Matthew 7:7). He later states, “Ask for anything in my name and I will do it” (John 14:14). Our prayers must be aligned with the will of God and petitioned with a trusting, believing heart. God works in amazing ways for those who ask Him to be present with them. God moves powerfully when we ask Him to guide us and lead us. And God does incredible things in those who seek His wisdom.
The one thing I will ask for today is God’s wisdom. For what will you ask?