In what ways can we prioritize God's will over personal desires today? Scripture Focus “Now it pleased the LORD that Solomon had asked for this.” — 1 Kings 3:10 What Made Solomon’s Choice So Pleasing • He asked for wisdom to serve rather than wealth, longevity, or power. • His request revealed a heart aligned with God’s purposes, not self-promotion. • God responded by granting wisdom and adding the very things Solomon did not seek (vv. 11-13). Timeless Principle When we put God’s agenda before our own, He is pleased and free to add what we truly need (cf. Matthew 6:33). Practical Ways to Prioritize God’s Will Today • Seek wisdom first: begin each decision with Scripture instead of emotions or trends (Psalm 119:105). • Choose service over status: look for ways to build others up in your workplace, church, and home (Mark 10:45). • Pray for God’s perspective before pursuing plans: “Not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). • Filter desires through Romans 12:2—allow God to transform thinking so you can “test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” • Hold possessions loosely: remember that “life does not consist in the abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15). • Commit schedules to the Lord: “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:15). Cross-References That Reinforce the Call • Matthew 6:10 — “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” • Psalm 37:4 — “Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” • 1 John 2:17 — “The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God remains forever.” • Colossians 1:9-10 — Paul prays believers would be “filled with the knowledge of His will … so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.” A Simple Daily Checklist □ Start the morning in God’s Word. □ Invite the Spirit to reorder priorities. □ Evaluate motives before commitments. □ Actively seek opportunities to serve. □ End the day thanking God for His guidance. Encouragement to Continue Pleasing God begins with the same humble request Solomon made—“Give Your servant a discerning heart.” When that becomes our first desire, we find the freedom and joy of living in God’s perfect will, while He takes care of everything else we once thought we had to secure on our own. |
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