We recently welcomed another grandbaby into the world. Though the baby is our second granddaughter, she’s the first child for our son and daughter-in-love. New parents have that deer-in-the-headlights look. After nine months of preparation, reality hits as this new little person looks up at Mom and Dad—completely dependent on them. Talk about overwhelming! All the classes and books in the world won’t prepare you for that. 

Life comes with such overwhelming moments in which we find ourselves inadequate. I think King Solomon had a similar experience. Tapped for the throne, he’d been trained by his father David. The events of Saul’s disastrous reign and the departure of God’s Spirit had to have been told to Solomon many times. Expectations weighed heavy on his royal shoulders. 

Overwhelmed? You bet.

In 1 Kings 3, we find the new king in the best place possible—before God:

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” . . . “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. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (1 Kings 3:5, 7-9)

Here are some wise tips from Solomon before God gave him wisdom :

Recognize your state. Solomon recognized that he was human, fallible, and limited in his energies and abilities. 

Recognize what’s required. Solomon recognized the task called for more than he had: wisdom, discernment, experience, the ability to read people, time management, and people skills. 

Recognize your Source. Solomon recognized his Source, the ever-present, all-powerful, all-knowing God.

So, an overwhelmed King Solomon asked for aid and, with God’s help, became the wisest man the world has ever known. 

Scripture tells us God was pleased with Solomon’s request. In fact, God was so pleased, He gave the young king more than he asked:

The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” (1 Kings 3:10-14 NIV)

God desires His children not only to recognize our need for Him, but also to live there. To make daily dependence on God a lifestyle. 

My granddaughter doesn’t set the day’s schedule. Her mom does. 

My granddaughter doesn’t worry about food, clothes, books, crayons, or naptime. She goes to Mom and Dad. 

When she needs help, she asks. 

And God is pleased. 

Workout of the Week: Overwhelmed

Memory Verse: “The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.” 1 Kings 3:10 NIV

Meditation Passage: 1 Kings 3

Do It: Ask for help.