“At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon…and God said, ‘Ask! What shall I give you?’ ‘Give to your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil.’ ‘I have given you a wise and understanding heart…And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor’” 1 Kings 3:5, 9, 12-13.
This short story has so many implications for our fellowship with God. Solomon did not seek favor and blessings from God but was approached and invited by God to seek his desire. Can you even imagine God appearing to you in a dream asking exactly what it is you want Him to do on your behalf? Without delay Solomon asked for God to help him understand how to deal with His people with fairness and justice. He desired for God to help him comprehend everything that was good and recognize all that was evil.
Solomon’s request displayed the heart he had for others who loved God and the desire to know how to interact with them. He could have asked God for any personal thing, person, or outcome, etc. His request certainly pleased God who immediately granted his petition for an understanding heart and discernment to lead His people. As if that weren’t enough God went above and beyond his request granting him unprecedented riches and honor. Solomon could have had riches and honor just by asking for that in the original request but what he asked for was so much more about God’s priority and desire.
I know all about God giving me more than I originally asked for. I asked for my daughter to walk away from her life of substance abuse which He did, but He additionally gave her amazing influence in the lives of others who were suffering and a powerful testimony. I asked for the Lord to heal my marriage a few decades ago which He did, but then He solidified our marriage by pulling us closer to Him. Me and my sisters asked God to comfort and protect our mom after our dad died.. For 8 years God was her companion…her anchor…her protector. But 3 years ago He went above and beyond anything we asked when He brought Ben into her life and they now enjoy a wonderful marriage. I always tell people that Ben is the answer to prayer we didn't even know to ask for.
These small verses swing on huge doors which opens up all kinds of understanding for us in the spiritual world. First and foremost, God loves us and WANTS to bless each of us. God speaks to us in ways He knows we will hear Him. God listens to every word we tell Him and answers prayers for our benefit and His plan to be administered to our lives. But one of the most beautiful things that our Father does is giving us so much more than what we ask or even can imagine in our mind. His love for us is infinite, and His blessings for us are innumerable.
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