Daily Reading: 31 December
(from www.christianaid.org.uk)
A wise request
Something to read
And Solomon said… “And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?”
- 1 Kings 3:6-9.
Something to think about
I wonder if you received everything on your Christmas wish list this year, or whether you’re already hunting in the sales to find what you missed out on. Perhaps you’ve quietly added one or two unwanted presents to a ‘regift’ cupboard for next year, to save any waste.
What Solomon asked for was not something that would fit neatly in a stocking. Recognising himself as ‘only a little child’ with a huge leadership task ahead, Solomon prayed for wisdom: an understanding mind, and the ability to know what is good and evil. That he made this request of God tells us that Solomon already had some degree of wisdom, and humility with it: he knew what he didn’t know.
In a world of misinformation, competing ideologies, and little space for nuance, we all need wisdom more than ever. A clear sense of what is right and good will keep us on the path towards justice and peace, and like Solomon, our starting point must be the humility to ask for God’s help in discerning.
Something to do
Consider supporting Christian Aid by joining the Closer panel. You can share your wisdom, opinions and feedback through regular surveys which help shape our communications, focus and the way we work – putting us in a better position to help others across the globe.
Something to pray
Wise and generous God, thank you that you give us all we need to live well. Please grow in me your wisdom as I make decisions in my own life, that I would know how to spend my time, money, and energy in a way that builds your kingdom here. Amen.
Today’s contributor is Rev Claire Jones