“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 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 Kings 3:7-9, NLT)?
If you could ask God for anything, no restrictions, no questions asked, what would it be? Would it be the newest sports car in your favorite make and model? What about the laptop you've been eyeing for weeks on end? How about endless wealth to bless yourself, the world, and everyone in it?
For many of us, the desires we ask from God sound less like stuff and more like providence:
-God, send me "the one," to date and marry.
-God, give me a sign of what to major in at college.
-God, please take away my chronic pain.
-God, I beg you to heal this cancer.
-God, I need a miracle of miracles.
-God, I need answers and direction.
-God, I need you now.
If you've ever asked these questions, or prayed them as prayers, then you're in good company—I'm sure most of us have. But one thing I've learned to ponder over the years is something that never leaves me no matter how old I get: If I could ask God for anything without limit, would it align with His will for my life?
In 1 Kings 3: 4-7, Solomon is crowned as King. One night, after sacrificing 1,000 burnt offerings, God asks Solomon the question many of us wish He'd ask us: “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you" (1 Kings 3:5, NLT)! But instead of asking for riches, fame, long life, or even death of his enemies, he asks for an "understanding 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 Kings 3:9, NLT)?
Whoa, full stop. Did you catch that? I can't go back in time and ask Solomon what he really wanted to ask God for, but one thing was certain: Because he loved the Lord his God with his whole heart, mind, soul, and strength, what he asked God for would be in alignment with God's will for Solomon (1 Kings 3:3-4, NLT). God's desires within him overruled any earthly or worldly desires he may've tried to cling to.
In response, God was pleased with what Solomon asked for: "So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies—I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life! And if you follow me and obey my decrees and my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life" (1 Kings 3:11-14, NIV).
God gave Solomon what he asked for and more because the request of his heart was pure. Solomon's deepest desire, even above fame, riches, or success was to lead his people well. So today, I have to again ask the question, what would you ask God for? Would you ask Him for things that merely please us or Him? Would you ask for temporary riches, or eternal values? Would you ask for things in this life, or the life to come? They're good thoughts to ponder and pray over with Him as you process.
Dear Lord, please give us hearts that seek you above all else. While it's not wrong to have dreams, ambitions, and motives, please align them with your will for us. Help us to continually pray for wisdom as Solomon did and in return, lead by example with those around us. Let our hearts desire to serve your people, and make us more like you. We love, praise, and thank you, Jesus! Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/FreshSplash
Related Resource: Soft Words for Hard Days: A Conversation with Aundi Kolber
Some days feel heavy. Some moments leave us wondering how to keep going. If you’ve ever longed for encouragement amid life’s hardest moments, I have a special episode of The Love Offering for you. This week, I’m joined by therapist and bestselling author Aundi Kolber to discuss her latest book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days. This beautiful collection of quotes, scriptures, prayers, and gentle exercises is designed to be a balm for your most tender places—a reminder that you are never alone on your journey to healing.
In our conversation, we explore:
✨ How to hold space for yourself and others in difficult seasons
✨ The power of compassionate words when life feels overwhelming
✨ Practical ways to embrace healing and take one more step forward
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to The Love Offering on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Monday, 25 August 2025.
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