Ask Anything

The answer to your prayers will always be more of God’s presence. 

“Solomon showed his love for the Lord by walking according to the instructions given him by his father David…At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great 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?” The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.” 1 Kings 3:3, 5, 7-13 

If you’ve ever seen the Disney movie, Aladdin, you might have pondered what wish you would have granted if you could have anything. What would you like granted? In this story, Solomon is asked the same question and his response pleases God. This was a test and Solomon passed with flying colors. What would you have asked for? What are you asking for today? Would your wish help you work?

Before answering, Solomon started by telling the truth.  He revealed his heart. While he might have had the title of King, he felt anything but adequate. Don’t miss this point. One of the most common ways the enemy attacks us is by making us feel unqualified or unworthy.  When we come into the presence of God, it is good to be honest about how we feel, especially where we are feeling weak. 

Solomon asked God to give him what was needed to honor God with his work. He said God you know me. You know that I fall short and do not have the wisdom it takes to properly rule. Jesus said blessed are the poor and spirit. Starting with humility and the fear of the Lord, Solomon set himself up for success. A humble heart opens doors to honorable living. Solomon spoke in truth and humbled himself before God. 

Solomon asked for wisdom. Have you ever wanted to be wiser? Would you like to hear God’s voice and have the ability to discern what is best? How much time are you spending listening to God, reading His word, surrounding yourself with others who have wisdom? It is not a secret how we can grow in wisdom.  Spend more time in His presence and pursuing Him. 

“Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them? Part your heavens, Lord, and come down; I will sing a new song to you, my God; …I will make music to you, to the One who gives victory to kings, who delivers his servant…our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, Our barns will be filled with every kind of provision. Our sheep will increase by thousands, Blessed is the people of whom this is true; blessed is the people whose God is the Lord.” Psalms 144:1-15

David is tested and realized that the test is part of his training. Before making any requests of God, David considers how amazing it is that the creator of the heavens and the Earth personally cares for him. David is amazed by how God loved him. Are you? Do you ever think about how beautiful the love of God is for you personally? Have you thought about how much you matter to Him? 

David’s request of God is more of his presence. He sang part the heavens and come down.  David did not ask for silver or gold. He wanted more of God because he knew with God he would always have more than enough. He said blessed are the people whose God is the Lord.  Like Solomon, David was saying that the people whose prayer is for greater ability to do God’s will prosper in every way. 

Something happens when we stop worrying about worldly cares. Jesus said seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and everything will be given to you. Solomon did not ask for worldly wealth, but God gave it in addition to wisdom. What would happen if we changed our focus from getting what we want to glorifying God? How could that help us please God like David and Solomon did? 

“Who is like the wise? A person’s wisdom brightens their face…Obey the king’s command…Do not be in a hurry to leave the king’s presence. Do not stand up for a cause…Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time…there is a proper time and procedure for every matter…I know that it will go better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him. So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given…I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 8:1-17

What did God give Solomon as an answer to his prayer for wisdom? He gave him a wise and discerning heart. He gave him his presence. God did not give Solomon all the wisdom he would ever need at once. Rather, God gave him the ability to hear His voice and be daily led by the Spirit of wisdom. 

Solomon learned the secret to living wisely and shared this secret with us in this passage. He said do not be in a hurry to leave the presence of the king.  It is the Spirit led empowered life that will be seen as wise. The presence of God produces the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Jesus said I am Vine and you are the branches. The order of operations matters. First be connected to God then you will see the fruit you so desperately desire.  

Ask yourself if you are in a hurry to leave the presence of the king? How often do we hear people say they are busy? How often are we in a rush? How much time do you devote to practicing the presence of God? Think back to what you would ask God if he asked you what you would like from him. The answer to your prayer is slowing down to receive more of God’s presence. Slow down and stop hurrying in life. Just like you cannot fill your car in seconds, you cannot be filled with the Spirit with drive-by prayers. It is when we hurry that we miss the power of God’s presence. Are you in a hurry? Do you have a long to do list that just has to get done right now? Would it not be better to slow down and make sure that all you do is done wisely according to God’s ways? 

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth— everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf. “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me…I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior. I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King…Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!…the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise…you have burdened me with your sins and wearied me with your offenses. “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” Isaiah 43:1-25

When you spend time with God, you will hear His voice. You will hear the voice of truth. This voice will tell you that you are precious and loved. This voice calls you by name, redeems you, and says you are mine. This voice says come home to the righteous and to the rebel.  This voice says you are my servant, the one I have chosen. This voice says forget the past and see I am doing a new thing. This voice says I know you sin, but I remember it no more for I am your God and your savior. 

These are not words that were just written for a people thousands of years ago. These are words that speak to us today. God wants to speak to you today. He wants you to know Him. Truth says He wants you to know Him and believe. Be prepared. You will experience barriers to belief and being in God's presence. You will hear competing voices. Like Solomon, it is wise to learn to discern what is right and what is wrong. 

There is a voice that lies to you. The voice of the enemy. The Liar. This voice deceives and seeks to destroy. God wants you to develop ears to hear so you can live in truth not listen to the lies. Consider asking a few simple questions of God. Ask, Lord reveal to me anything that I have believed that is not true. Then ask God what do you want to say to me today? What do I need to know or do? 

“So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?” He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites…You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions…Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.” For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly…some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”). At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly. People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” Mark 7:5-37

Jesus came to make all of things possible through Him. The One who opened the deaf man’s ears then is still opening ears today. He does not simply want to improve your circumstances; He wants to transform your heart. He removes the voices of fear, shame, pride, and deception so that you can hear the voice of your Shepherd. The greatest miracle is not merely that prayers are answered, but that through Christ we are welcomed into the very presence of God. The cross removed every barrier between us and our Father so that we can boldly come before Him, hear His voice, and walk with Him every day. God’s greatest gift has always been Himself as we receive the Holy Spirit.

God is asking you what you want. Before you ask God to change your circumstances, ask Him to increase your awareness of His presence so you can live out your kingdom purposes. Before you ask Him to solve your problems, ask Him to make your heart more like His so you can love like He does. Pray for ears that hear. Pray for a discerning heart that recognizes truth from the lies of the enemy. Above all, do not be in a hurry to leave the presence of the King for in His presence is wisdom for every decision, peace for every storm, strength for every battle, joy for every season, and hope for the one who never thought they would see or hear again.