Read 1 Kings 3:5-14.
Our reading for today marks the beginning of Solomon’s reign as king. His father, David, dies in the preceding chapter, and Solomon is now thrust into the role of leadership. The text describes Solomon as young and inexperienced. So, an implicit question arises over his ability to fill the big shoes left by his father before him.
Solomon seems aware that he may not be up to the task of becoming Israel’s next king. He is humble enough to recognize his shortcomings. So, Solomon asks God to grant him the wisdom and discernment to take on the task before him. God grants it.
However, this divinely offered wisdom does not lead to perfection. We see Solomon fall on his face many times throughout his reign as king. Many of you reading this are straddling the edge between youth and young adulthood, and you may feel wholly unprepared for what is to come. That is ok. You do not need to have it all figured out. You can and will make mistakes. Again, that is ok, because God walks alongside us on this journey of faith — even when we feel ill-prepared for what will come next.
Pray
God, who stands with us at the edge of a new year, we come to you this day looking toward the unknown. We hold tightly to our hopes and dreams of what is on the horizon. Yet, we also carry the baggage of anxiety and fear that things may turn out as we hope. So, like Solomon, we ask that you offer us the wisdom to discern where we are being called in this new year. Help us to make hard decisions as they come. Remind us that even though our journey of faith will be filled with valleys, switchbacks, and false summits, you are walking alongside us. Amen.
Rev. Chris Bailey
Campus Minister, Marshall UKIRK
Alum, Spartanburg UKIRK (PSA)
Words for Waiting 