2 Chronicles begins with King Solomon and his prayer to God. He sought wisdom, so that he could govern the people well. In response, the Almighty answers Solomon’s prayer and blesses him with riches never before seen, nor will ever see on earth. God praises him for his faithfulness and acknowledges his attention to following the Torah.
Many times I hear people pray for things, like money, a car, a house, etc. Is this how God calls us to live? God is not our fairy godmother, but our Redeemer. He says, “I will ask you anything you wish for if you ask it in my name.” Many people assume that means we can ask for whatever we want, and because of our obedience God will sweep his magic wand over us and give us our heart’s desire. I say phooey to that theological nonsense. The God that I worship wants to restore me to loving Him and our neighbors.
So, if we don’t get a new car, then what do we get? God’s desire is to free us from the bonds of sin and death. What better gift than to know inward peace? Our problem is that we can’t make it past the surface level stuff to trust the Divine with our hearts. A new toy is nice, but a peaceful spirit out weighs any little gift.
God’s grace is the gift that keeps on giving. What more do we need? Our lives fit beautifully into the palm of our Savior, and in His presence we find rest. Our conflicted, tortured souls lay beside the cool, life giving water.
My hope is that my prayer be like Solomons; wishing for wisdom so that I may serve the people of the Holy One. May I be a servant at heart. God will give me my heart’s desire, inner peace. All of the rest will be taken care of.
From a Pastor's Point of View 