When Solomon was chosen by God to replace His father, David, as the King of Israel, Solomon prayed this prayer, "Now, O Lord my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn't know his way around. And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! Give me an understanding (hearing) heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?" (1 King 3:7-9). Solomon asked for understanding or hearing heart to lead the Israelites. He realized that he needed God's wisdom to lead. However, it would require him to listen to God and spend time with Him. One day there was a dispute between two women about a baby. One woman accused the other woman of stealing her baby and swapping her baby with a dead baby while she was sleeping. Since Solomon didn't know which woman was telling the truth, he tested both women by their love for the alive baby. Solomon ordered to cut the alive baby into two and let each woman have half. Once Solomon ordered the command, the real mother cried out not to kill the baby and gave the baby to the other woman. Through God's wisdom, Solomon then realized that the real mother was the one who cared for the alive baby the most. (1 Kings 3:16-28).
We need to have a hearing heart when we seek God's wisdom. A heart that is willing to obey. And the reason is that God may give us a direction contrary to what we want to do. For example, if God wants us not to turn to the left, but we desire to turn to the left, which one will we follow. If God wants us to give up something important and dear to us, are we willing to give it up? If God wants us to leave everything behind, including our comfort, are we willing to leave and go where he wants us to go? If God wants us to forgive the person that hurt us, are we willing to forgive?
God's wisdom requires complete obedience. When Solomon was obeying God, Israel was very strong and powerful because of the wisdom of Solomon. However, when his heart turned away from God, the kingdom of Israel suffered and eventually was divided into two kingdoms. We need to understand that God's wisdom will lead us to a fulfilling life, but we need to have a hearing heart and the willingness to obey whatever God wants us to do. I pray that we will seek God's wisdom and be willing to obey and listen to have a fulfilling life. God knows what is best for us.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully and meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speaks to you). Do I want to have God's wisdom in my life? If I do, what must I do to gain God's wisdom? Am I willing to obey God for the sake of gaining His wisdom?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, I want to live a fulfilled life. I am tired of spinning my wheels and not going anywhere. I need your direction and wisdom. This world only gives me a craving for something that can never be satisfied. Please help me surrender everything to you and be willing to obey to gain your wisdom. In your name Jesus, I pray. Amen.