View From The Pew, Letter Five
What can we learn from a king’s prayer? Solomon became King of Israel early – about 15 years of age. Being the son of David, he was raised in privilege. Solomon enjoyed the finest clothes, food, education, toys, and all the other real wealth and power.
Solomon grew up in his earthly father’s wake of blessings. Why? Because David was a man after God’s own heart and God blesses those who seek Him (God testified concerning him: “I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” Acts 13:22)
David’s beginnings, as a humble shepherd, seeking God in faith with a pure heart, got God’s attention. David never sought to be a king! He sought God’s will, guidance, and protection over everything. David desired to honor God above everything! And of that desire, God blessed not only David, but his son who also eventually became a king!
What can we learn about these father and son Kings? First, we learn that if we trust and seek God the Father, in humility, God will bless us. In fact, 2 Chronicles 16:9 says: “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” God’s eyes are roaming the earth seeking to find those who will trust Him. Not only did God bless David, but God also blessed David’s offspring. David’s prayers throughout his life proved that he not only knew the Lord but that he also totally trusted the Lord.
One such example is found in Palms 86. David’s heart of humility, seen in seeking God, not only got God’s attention and favor but also rippled over into his son's life! The humble shepherd became an exalted king! Did he seek to become a king? No, He sought, earnestly, to know the ultimate King of all Kings! He wanted God’s will over his. “Then I said, ‘Here I am, I have come—it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.’” (Psalms 40:7-8)
David never prayed to become king just like his son Solomon never prayed for great power and wealth! They both sought and honored the Lord and God blessed them! Solomon, like his father, asked God for guidance. “Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.” (Psalms 25:4-5)
Notice his prayer wasn’t about money or fame! David and Solomon wanted direction for how to manage what God had given them! He never asked for more but for guidance in his current circumstance. He didn’t seek fame or more money; he humbly asked for a discerning heart so he could govern God’s people. “So, give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” (1 Kings 3:9) Notice that King Solomon never said, ‘my people’. He made it clear, ‘Your people’! He understood who the Creator was.
Next, King Solomon asked that God show him the difference between right and wrong! He never asked for something that would benefit him personally. Like his dad, King David, Solomon knew who the real King was! Neither of these men looked at the prize or the potential reward of seeking God’s guidance which is the ultimate form of honoring God. Yet, because they both sought the Lord in everything, they were both blessed beyond measure. David, the shepherd, became a king! Solomon was given great wisdom and wealth.
Founder of Billy’s Home Place and RTM, Stephen L. Thomas