Desire Wisdom In the Heart First - 2 Chronicles 1-5

 2 Chronicles 1:11-12 (ESV)

God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.”

I just need wisdom!   That was not just Solomon’s words, God saw that was in his heart, as well.   God honors those who ask for wisdom over wealth and spiritual insights over sound investments.   This might be one of the key missing pieces of families, churches and spiritual organizations today.   We love to market, we love to put things in committee, we love to read the latest guru book.   But, we seldom hear about someone, or a group of someone’s who showed what Solomon showed in the above text.  God honors those who simply seek Him out in wisdom.    Yes, God did honor Solomon with wealth and prosperity.  Most of the rest of this book will chronicle Solomon’s fame.  But, it started with a cry in the heart from a young teenage boy that he needed wisdom to face the large tasks in front of him.   Once his heart was there, God’s power followed.   Notice what James tells us about this very thing:

James 1:5-8 (ESV)

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

James 3:16-18 (ESV)

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

God supplies wisdom to the heart that wants it.   He follows that with His great power.   But, it starts with a genuine desire for wisdom in the heart.