King Soloman had a dream. God appeared to him and said, “What can I give you? Ask.” I love his response to the Lord in I Kings 3:9-14 MSG; “Here’s what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?”

God, the Master, was delighted with Solomon’s response. And God said to him, “Because you have asked for this and haven’t grasped after a long life, or riches, or the doom of your enemies, but you have asked for the ability to lead and govern well, I’ll give you what you’ve asked for—I’m giving you a wise and mature heart. There’s never been one like you before; and there’ll be no one after. As a bonus, I’m giving you both the wealth and glory you didn’t ask for—there’s not a king anywhere who will come up to your mark. And if you stay on course, keeping your eye on the life-map and the God-signs as your father David did, I’ll also give you a long life.”

He asked for a heart that hears God and the ability to discern between good and evil. What a request! Such a wise request to ask of an all-knowing and all-wise God. Solomon recognized his need to have someone wiser than himself to go to, to talk to and to ask advice. So many of us would do well to ask the same thing from our Father. The beauty of this is that not only did God give him wisdom, he also gave him wealth, glory and long life to enjoy it all.

We’re all familiar with the life of Solomon. At the end of his life he wrote that there is nothing under the sun that satisfies but God. All the wisdom and wealth pales in comparison to communion with God. Friendships are wonderful; I relish all of mine.  Everyone God’s added to my life, both intimate friends and acquaintances, they are treasures to me, but there is one friend I hold dearer than any other and that is Jesus. In the words of the old hymn, “No one ever cared for me like Jesus. There’s no other friend so kind as he. No one else can take the sin and darkness from me. Oh how much he cares for me.”

I may not be as wise or wealthy as Solomon, but I have more than many because I have Jesus. I am rich in love. I wade knee deep in compassion. His tender mercies are new each morning. Each time the sun comes up, I hear him whisper his love to me. Every time I lay my head to sleep, I’m aware of him. The weather outside doesn’t affect that love, nor do rumors of wars or terrorists. His peace and presence guard my heart and mind. I am constantly watching and listening for my orders, where he leads me I will always follow. Faithful friend. Amazing lover. Ever present to help in time of need. Provider, Protector, Shepherd, Lion of Judah, King of kings, Lord of lords. My friend.

Thank you Father for the gift of your Son. I’m so comforted to know I’m never alone, he is always with me. The more I know you and your ways, the more I desire to be with you. You never mention my faults to me, you just cover them with your love. Please help me to love like that. To cover those around me with your love so that their sin is not even evident to others. Help me to shower them so with your love that they too are drawn to you. It’s your love that changes us. It’s changed me and I thank you.