What would I ask for?

A Discerning Heart

"Opening our eyes" or references to clarity with sight is mentioned about 72 times in the Bible. I am no different than others who ask for the Lord's discernment. Some time ago while reading and praying, I asked God to help me understand and see the scriptures differently. I had read my Bible for many many many years. Remember I just turned 60 and was saved at a young age. I will be honest, as always, I don't understand a lot of what I'm reading. I understand bits and pieces. John 13:7, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward, you will understand.” Yes, I know Jesus was washing feet and talking to the disciples. But I believe there are many things we do not understand at present, but He will reveal to us at a later date. So as I read nightly, I look at the scriptures and ponder their meaning. I am captivated by the people who God used. They are not necessarily people we would call "holy" in all senses of the word. They are ordinary people who have made mistakes and He uses them. That's comforting. Just a side note!

I was reading in 1 Kings about Solomon. Solomon became King after his father, David. When Solomon became King, the region settled and was prosperous, and God was pleased with Solomon. God asked Solomon, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you." Now at this point, let me say this. I understand God can hear our thoughts. There are multiple instances in the Bible revealed where God knew the thoughts of men or knew their hearts. I knew this all along, but several years ago really began to understand that thoughts don't always mirror actions. I have strived, although I am human and flesh, to remember that my thoughts need to mirror my actions. I remember that God knows my thoughts before I speak. My initial thoughts, not the ones that are formed after we have a few moments to think on the subject. The thoughts that first come to our minds and hearts as life plays itself out. Think about that for a bit. The first thing Solomon did was Praise God. Let that sink in! Solomon didn't immediately start thinking of wealth, prosperity, health, or safety. He praised God. Wow! At this point in my reading/listening to God's word, I really needed to read that again. He praised God for his father, David, and he praised God for allowing him to be king. He praised God for all the people he would govern. Then Solomon made his request. Again, Solomon didn't ask for all the fleshly things that we probably would have. He asked for discernment from God, a discerning heart. He asked for the ability to know right from wrong in justice and governing his people. Solomon thought of others. He put himself aside and thought of all the people he was responsible for. You can read this account in 1 Kings and in 2 Chronicles. 1 Kings 3:9, "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?”

I have prayed for discernment for quite some time. I know what this passage was telling me. I know what God wants me to do. I do pray for others. I do pray for a discerning heart. But in all that I do, my first response to God needs to be about others. Honesty is what I strive for. So honestly, I do have those fleshly desires and think of myself. I want God to read my heart and the first thing I ask for, in all situations, is for others. If God asked you the question He asked Solomon, what would you ask for?