1Kings 3:7-9
O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people.
What of Today’s Verse…
We shall never rightly choose our life-course until we are determined to put first things first. Wealth, honour, fame, the surpassing of our rivals, are not the chief things to be considered, or our judgment will be impaired and our vision distorted. It was because Solomon desired and sought the kingdom and glory of God, that He gave him also the things for which he did not ask (1Ki_3:13; Mat_6:33).
Impressed by the greatness of his responsibilities, the young king had gone to Gibeon to worship God. He wished to fulfil his opportunities to their highest measure, and to serve his fatherland, but he realized his inefficiency. Do you feel like this? You realize the wonderful opportunities and responsibilities of life in this marvellous age, and long to be of service to God and your fellows, but what can you do? You are but as a little child, and “know not how to go out or come in.” “Going out” stands for the active life in the world of men; “coming in” for the hours spent in the home, in recreation and society. It is like the systole and diastole of the heart’s action, which should be alike consecrated to God and of service to man.
Solomon asked for an understanding heart, that he might discern between good and bad. We all need this faculty, that we may discriminate between things that look very much alike, but are different in nature and direction (Heb_5:14; Phi_1:9-10; marg. R.V.). It is not an inducement of intellectual power, but of moral taste and discernment. It has been said, that the difficulty in life is not to discriminate between white and black, but to choose between the different shades of grey. In our fellowships, recreations, literature, and business–we are in urgent need of the understanding heart, which listens for and heeds the voice of God.
Solomon offered a thousand burnt-offerings upon the altar (1Ki_3:4). We are required to present our bodies as living sacrifices unto God, which is our reasonable service. Our career is often determined by our circumstances, or by our special gifts and talents, and, on the whole, we succeed best in doing what we like best. But if we yield ourselves to do God’s will, He will direct our paths.
Let us Pray:
O God, make us diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. May we prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good. Amen.
Words of Wisdom
Divine Order
I am at peace in the midst of this divine-order day.
Whether I find myself in a busy home or a thriving workplace, my environment may seem chaotic at times. If I feel stress building within me, I know my perspective needs adjusting. I take a deep breath and quiet my thoughts. As I become centred, I am able to see my experiences differently. I look at my life and the world around me with fresh eyes.
I see divine order at work in the system of life and activity that is flourishing around me. And I am divinely equipped to do what is mine to do. I have the time, talent and resources I need to contribute in meaningful ways. I am centred and calm, peaceful and poised, in the midst of this divine-order day.
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.–Deuteronomy 31:8
