Wisdom from Solomon: Facing Life’s Challenges with God

Devotional

Day 1: God Invites Us Into Conversational Partnership

God is not distant or disinterested; He initiates contact and desires a real, ongoing conversation with each of us. Just as He approached Solomon in a dream, God leans in and invites us to ask, seek, and partner with Him in the challenges and opportunities of our lives. Prayer is not a ritual or a formula, but an intentional, honest conversation with the God who wants to work with us for His glory and our good. [01:00:31]

1 Kings 3:5-9 (ESV)
At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”

Reflection: When was the last time you truly spoke with God as a partner, honestly sharing your needs and listening for His response? What would it look like to begin that conversation today?

Day 2: Ask for Wisdom with Humility and Right Motives

God delights to give wisdom generously, but He looks at the heart and the motives behind our requests. Solomon’s humble admission of his need and his desire to serve others pleased God, while self-centered requests fall flat. When we ask for wisdom, we must do so with a heart that seeks God’s glory and the good of others, not just our own gain. [01:02:46]

James 1:5 (ESV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Reflection: What is one area where you need wisdom right now? Take a moment to examine your motives—are you seeking wisdom for God’s purposes or just your own comfort?

Day 3: Wisdom Is Anchored in God’s Word

True wisdom is not just cleverness or life experience; it is a supernatural gift from God, anchored in the truth of Scripture. Solomon’s wisdom was rooted in God’s revelation, and we are called to study the Word so that our knowledge and discernment are shaped by God’s perspective, not just our own. The Holy Spirit joins with our spirit as we immerse ourselves in Scripture, equipping us to face life’s challenges with clarity and direction. [01:27:30]

2 Timothy 3:15-16 (ESV)
And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.

Reflection: How can you make time this week to engage more deeply with God’s Word, allowing it to shape your decisions and responses to challenges?

Day 4: Living Without God’s Wisdom Is Exhausting

Trying to navigate life’s challenges without God’s wisdom is like working with a dull axe—it leads to frustration, exhaustion, and little fruit. Solomon teaches that wisdom “sharpens” our lives, making our efforts effective and our burdens lighter. In a broken world filled with problems that cannot be solved by human scheming, only God’s wisdom brings true direction and success. [01:14:03]

Ecclesiastes 10:10 (ESV)
If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed.

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel worn out or ineffective? How might seeking God’s wisdom “sharpen” your approach and bring new strength?

Day 5: Jesus Is Our Wisdom, Redemption, and Hope

Ultimately, wisdom is not just a principle but a person—Jesus Christ, who is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, redemption, and sanctification. In a world marred by brokenness and self-absorption, Jesus offers us not only answers but Himself as the source of true life and hope. No matter what trouble you face, you are invited to receive Christ, walk with Him, and let His wisdom guide you through every challenge. [01:28:32]

1 Corinthians 1:30 (ESV)
And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust Jesus as your wisdom today? What step can you take to surrender that area to Him and rely on His guidance?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on the life of Solomon and the profound gift of wisdom that God offers to those who seek Him with humility and sincerity. Solomon, when faced with the daunting responsibility of leading God’s people, did not ask for wealth, power, or long life, but for an understanding heart to discern between good and evil. This request pleased God, who not only granted Solomon wisdom but also blessed him beyond what he asked. The story reveals that God is a conversational God, initiating contact and inviting us into partnership with Him. He desires that we approach Him not as a cosmic bellhop, but as a loving Father who delights in giving wisdom to those who ask with the right motives.

Solomon’s humility is key—he recognized his limitations and his need for God’s guidance. Gratitude and humility are not just spiritual virtues; they have tangible effects on our well-being, even affecting our brains in positive ways. Wisdom, as seen in Solomon’s life, is not merely knowledge, but the supernatural ability to apply God’s truth to the complexities of everyday life. It is an anointing that enables us to solve problems, make just decisions, and live in a way that honors God.

The wisdom literature Solomon authored—Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon—teaches that wisdom is the principal thing to pursue. Without it, we go through life as if swinging a dull axe, expending much effort but seeing little fruit. Ecclesiastes, in particular, offers a worldview that acknowledges the brokenness of our world due to humanity’s scheming and self-absorption. The pain and challenges we face are not meaningless; they are often God’s gifts, designed to draw us back to Him and to the wisdom He freely offers.

True wisdom is found in Christ, who has become for us wisdom from God, as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. The invitation is open: whether you are in trouble, heading into trouble, or just coming out of it, God wants to partner with you. Ask Him for wisdom with a humble heart, immerse yourself in His Word, and anchor your life in Christ. In doing so, you will find the direction, strength, and peace needed to navigate life’s greatest challenges.

Key Takeaways

1. God Initiates and Invites Partnership God is not distant or indifferent; He initiates contact and desires a conversational relationship with us. He invites us to ask, seek, and knock, but with the understanding that our requests should align with His purposes, not just our own desires. This partnership is about joining God in His work, not using Him for our own ends. When we approach God with the right motives, He delights to respond generously. [60:14]
2. Humility and Gratitude Open the Door to Wisdom Solomon’s humility—his admission that he was like a little child, unable to lead without God’s help—was foundational to receiving wisdom. Gratitude for God’s past faithfulness also shapes our hearts and minds, releasing joy and peace even in the midst of challenges. These attitudes position us to receive God’s supernatural anointing for the tasks before us. [67:19]
3. Wisdom is Supernatural and Anchored in Scripture Wisdom is not just cleverness or experience; it is a supernatural gift from God that enables us to apply His truth to real-life situations. This wisdom is always anchored in Scripture, and the Holy Spirit joins with our spirit to guide us. Without this anchor, even spiritual experiences can lead us off course, but with it, we are equipped for ministry and life. [69:52]
4. The Brokenness of the World is a Call to Seek God’s Wisdom Ecclesiastes teaches that the world is profoundly broken due to humanity’s self-absorption and scheming. The pain and frustration we experience are not random; they are designed to drive us back to God, who alone can make sense of our challenges. Our inability to fix everything on our own is a gift that points us to our need for divine wisdom and redemption. [81:37]
5. Christ is the Ultimate Source of Wisdom Jesus is not only our Redeemer but also our wisdom from God. In Him, we find the answers to life’s deepest questions and the power to live righteously. Whether facing trouble, anticipating it, or recovering from it, we are invited to anchor our lives in Christ, ask for wisdom, and trust that God will provide what we need to navigate every season.

** [88:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[56:14] - Introduction: Solomon and the Pursuit of Wisdom
[57:08] - Reading 1 Kings 3: Solomon’s Request
[59:53] - God Initiates Conversation
[61:05] - God Invites Partnership
[62:46] - The Caveat of Asking
[63:52] - God’s Emotional Response
[64:54] - Solomon’s Humility and Context
[66:04] - The Power of Gratitude
[67:19] - Solomon’s Humility and Need
[68:59] - Defining Wisdom: Supernatural and Scriptural
[70:19] - Solomon’s Wise Judgment: The Two Mothers
[72:14] - Wisdom Literature: Proverbs and Ecclesiastes
[73:19] - The Dull Axe: Wisdom’s Practical Value
[76:39] - Ecclesiastes: A Biblical Worldview
[81:37] - The Broken World and Our Need for Wisdom
[85:36] - How to Receive Wisdom
[88:32] - Christ: Our Wisdom and Invitation
[93:52] - Closing Encouragement and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Wisdom of Solomon and God’s Invitation**

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### Bible Reading

**1 Kings 3:3-14 (ESV)**
3 Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places. 4 And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” 6 And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. 7 And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. 9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”
10 It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11 And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, 12 behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. 13 I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. 14 And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

**James 1:5 (ESV)**
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

**1 Corinthians 1:30 (ESV)**
And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.

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### Observation Questions

What did Solomon specifically ask God for when given the opportunity to request anything? (1 Kings 3:9)
According to the sermon, what was God’s emotional response to Solomon’s request, and why was it significant? [[01:04:14]]
In James 1:5, what is the promise given to those who ask God for wisdom?
How does 1 Corinthians 1:30 describe the role of Jesus in relation to wisdom?

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### Interpretation Questions

Why did Solomon’s request for wisdom, rather than wealth or power, please God so much? What does this reveal about God’s priorities for us? [[01:12:48]]
The sermon describes God as a “conversational God” who initiates contact and invites partnership. How does this understanding of God change the way someone might approach prayer or decision-making? [[01:00:14]]
The preacher said that humility and gratitude “open the door to wisdom.” Why might these attitudes be necessary for receiving wisdom from God? [[01:07:19]]
According to the sermon, what is the difference between knowledge and wisdom, and why is wisdom described as a “supernatural anointing” anchored in Scripture? [[01:09:52]]

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### Application Questions

Solomon admitted he was “like a little child” and needed God’s help to lead. In what area of your life do you feel in over your head right now? How can you bring that to God in humility this week? [[01:07:19]]
The sermon mentioned that gratitude has a real, positive effect on our minds and hearts. What is one specific thing you can thank God for today, and how might practicing gratitude change your outlook this week? [[01:06:04]]
God is described as wanting a partnership, not just to be used for our own desires. When you pray, do you tend to treat God more like a “cosmic bellhop” or a loving Father? How can you shift your prayers to reflect a true partnership with God? [[01:03:33]]
The preacher said that living without wisdom is like swinging a dull axe—lots of effort, little fruit. Can you think of a recent situation where you tried to solve a problem in your own strength? What would it look like to seek God’s wisdom instead? [[01:13:19]]
Ecclesiastes teaches that the brokenness and pain in our world are meant to drive us back to God. Is there a challenge or pain in your life right now that could be an invitation to seek God’s wisdom? How might you respond differently in light of this perspective? [[01:21:37]]
The sermon says that true wisdom is found in Christ. What does it mean for you, personally, to “anchor your life in Christ” as you face decisions or difficulties? [[01:28:32]]
James 1:5 promises that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask. What is one area where you need wisdom right now? Will you commit to asking God for it this week, and how will you look for His answer? [[01:25:36]]

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**Closing Encouragement:**
Remember, God delights to give wisdom to those who ask with a humble heart. Whether you’re in trouble, heading into it, or just coming out, He wants to partner with you. Let’s encourage each other to seek Him together!

Sermon Clips

God wants partnership with you and with me. He wants to engage us. In a partnership. It's a you, me thing. He's coming to us because he wants to tie up with us to accomplish something for his glory. [01:01:12] (19 seconds) #DivinePartnership

God is not a cosmic bellhop. It's not room service, send me up a pizza. No. It's more than that. It's a partnership where you and God are in it together. [01:03:42] (15 seconds) #NoRoomServiceGod

Gratitude affects your brain as much as a drug affects the brain of an addict. When you and I are grateful, Alan Shore, a researcher at UCLA, now that they can do MRIs and a whole bunch of research on the brain, they found out that when you remember something that you are grateful for, or that when you are expressing gratefulness, your system releases dopamine and serotonin. Which are chemicals. Right? Chemicals that bring joy and peace to the brain. Isn't that amazing? So thankfulness and gratitude are like a high-powered drug on the brain. [01:06:10] (55 seconds) #GratitudeHealsBrain

So as we look at this then, and we think about the conclusion, wisdom's conclusion, as it is written out by Solomon, wisdom is really saying to us, and Solomon is saying, you will be attempting to solve life's challenges with a dull axe or knife or chainsaw, and it's exhausting and painful. [01:13:04] (25 seconds) #DullAxeLife

If you go through life without a relationship with wisdom, then what you're really doing is you're operating with a dull axe. And while other people are still at the job, still at the work, still being faithful, still doing, still succeeding, you are absolutely worn out. You know what? That's a painful way to live. [01:14:48] (27 seconds) #EcclesiastesWorldview

Vanity is the worship of your own navel. I like to call it navelitis. It's self-absorption. The world, Solomon says in the first chapter, is filled with people who, as a result of their scheming, the world has become sadly broken. Plantinga says this is vandalism of shalom. Things are not the way they are supposed to be. See, and that's really the essence of the biblical story. That we are living in a broken world. [01:20:16] (39 seconds) #GodsPlanForShalom

``It doesn't matter how long you try to figure everything out. It doesn't matter how long you think you can invent new dynamic ways to get to peace and shalom. You can't get there without God. Because you are living in a world that is so profoundly broken and marred by sin that only God, in his wisdom, can come up with a plan to fix it all. That's profound. It's profound. [01:21:17] (38 seconds) #PainAsGift

God has made Christ to be for us. What? Wisdom, redemption, righteousness and sanctification. Isn't it amazing that the first thing that he says God has made Jesus to be for us is what? Wisdom. [01:28:12] (24 seconds) #PartnerInChallenge

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