Listen

“Please give your servant a discerning mind in order to govern your people and to distinguish good from evil, because no one is able to govern this important people of yours without your help.”

It pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. God said to him, “Because you have asked for this instead of requesting long life, wealth, or victory over your enemies—asking for discernment so as to acquire good judgment— I will now do just what you said. Look, I hereby give you a wise and understanding mind. There has been no one like you before now, nor will there be anyone like you afterward.”

1 Kings 3:9-12

Think

A few years ago, I was stuck in the middle of a major conflict between a few of my friends. Anxious and unsure, I decided to pray about what I should do to help everyone feel safe, heard, and respected. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was seeking wisdom from God through prayer. The situation ended up being resolved, but I remember how reassured I felt when I followed through with what I felt God calling me to do.

How does one gain wisdom? You might be asking yourself, “Doesn’t that only come with age?” This might be true developmentally, but Solomon was only a young man when he received the gift of wisdom from God. Solomon asked for wisdom instead of worldly things, and he received it! Seeking wisdom is like asking God for a special gift that makes you grow closer to God. Desiring wisdom can look like praying, getting advice from someone who has been in your situation, or asking for a “nudge” from the Holy Spirit. Wisdom comes to us in many ways. When we seek wisdom, we seek God.

Naomi McQuiller

Question to Ponder:

How might asking for wisdom about something help you change a situation?

Pray

Loving God, thank you for wisdom. When I face difficult circumstances, help me to seek your will in my life. Amen.

Go

Take a few minutes to intentionally seek God in a way that makes sense for you. This could look like journaling, exploring nature, reading scripture, or spending time with friends.