What Are You Going to Ask God For This New Year?

What Are You Going to Ask God For This New Year? is a simple thought reflection from 1 Kings 3:5-14.

December 31, 2015 Year C

1 Kings 3:5-14

What are you going to ask God for this new year?

God appeared to Solomon in a dream (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon had loved God, but he was also disobedient. He had sacrificed animals to other gods on the “high places.” Despite this disobedience, God approaches Solomon. God asks Solomon: “What should I give you?” (1 Kings 3:6)

God is asking the same question out of you and me: “What should I give you?” Despite our disobedience, God still comes to us because He knows our heart. We may still sin, but still love God. So God tests that love.

Solomon recognizes that this is a second chance, a time of grace, a place of forgiveness. He knows that God allowed Solomon to stay on the throne, even though he has sinned. The throne was rightly David‘s. God kept a promise to David and God is extending that promise to Solomon (1 Kings 3:6). Solomon doesn’t take advantage of the promise to continue in sin. He takes this opportunity and replies to God about God’s faithfulness. Solomon knows full well that God could take Solomon off of the throne (1 Kings 3:6-7). Solomon recognizes that his privileged status exists only because of God’s choosing (1 Kings 3:8). Solomon recognizes the enormous responsibility God has placed on Solomon. He realizes that he needs God’s help. So Solomon asks for wisdom (1 Kings 3:9). This request pleases God (1 Kings 3:10). Why? Because God sees that Solomon wants to depend upon God for help. Because Solomon seeks out God, God gives Solomon more than what Solomon asks (1 Kings 3:11-13). God grants Solomon the wisdom, but adds to it riches and honor (1 Kings 3:13).

God does that. He gives more than what we ask. Some of what He gives is unconditional. In this case for Solomon, it was riches and honor. The riches and honor would last his lifetime – so that other people may see that God established Solomon’s reign. But that does not mean that God unconditionally gives everyone wisdom and honor. God does not promise health, wisdom, and wealth. He promises us His unconditional love, but not unconditional earthly wealth. Some things that God gives us are conditioned on our obedience.

In Solomon’s case, his health was conditional. God would only give Solomon a long life if Solomon obeyed God’s commands (1 Kings 3:14).

Do you want to see God do wonders in your life? Then you have to ask. God will do more than you ask, but it has to come from the heart – with a desire to obey God.

God is asking you today: “What should I give you?” How are you going to respond for this next year?

Prayer: God, thank You for this past year. Thank You for your faithfulness. Please give me more of You this next year. So me more of Your wisdom. Help me be a better husband, father, and pastor to others and a better child to You.