Making Hard ChoicesSample

Have you ever found yourself facing decisions that seemed too complex to navigate? Recently, I've been reflecting on the fact that we make approximately 35,000 choices each day. While not all of these choices carry the same weight, many of them require wisdom beyond our own understanding.

In seeking guidance about decision-making, I asked God to show me someone in Scripture who faced challenging choices. He led me to Solomon's story, but not to the familiar narrative of the two mothers fighting over the child we read about in 1 Kings 3:16-28. Instead, the Holy Spirit drew my attention to what happened before that pivotal moment – the foundation that made Solomon's wisdom possible.

When we meet Solomon in 1 Kings 3, he has just ascended to the throne after a turbulent transition. His path to kingship wasn't smooth, namely because one of his brothers had attempted to seize the throne, requiring the intervention of Nathan the prophet, to ensure God's chosen successor would reign. Yet, through these challenging circumstances, we find our first lesson in decision-making: Solomon's unwavering commitment to God.

In 1 Kings 3:3 it says, "Solomon loved the Lord and followed all the decrees of his father David." Before he faced any major choices as king, Solomon established his relationship with God as his highest priority. He demonstrated this through his actions, committing to complete the temple his father David had desired to build – a place where God's people could worship.

This commitment to God wasn't just about following rules or maintaining traditions. Solomon's heart was genuinely devoted to seeking the Lord. We see this clearly in 1 Kings 3:4, where Scripture tells us that Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on the altar at Gibeon. This wasn't a show of religious duty – it was an expression of deep reverence and love for God.

The lesson for us is clear: before we seek answers, we must first seek God Himself. When we cultivate a relationship with the Lord marked by genuine love and devotion, we position ourselves to receive His wisdom. Just as Solomon's commitment to God preceded his famous wisdom, our way of making choices is directly connected to the depth of our relationship with the Lord.

Think about the choices you're facing today. Have you, like Solomon, established your relationship with God as the foundation for making those choices? Are you seeking His wisdom not just for the answers you need — but as part of a genuine commitment to knowing Him more deeply?

Pause and Ponder: What crucial choices are you facing that might benefit from establishing a stronger foundation of both devotion to God and proper rest?