“At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, ‘Ask for whatever you want me to give you.’ Solomon answered, ‘ … Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?’” ~ 1 Kings 3:5, 6, 9

On the heels of the greatest kingly rein in all of history, a young Solomon assumes his father David’s throne. Intimidated? Probably. Overwhelmed? No doubt. A huge pair of shoes sat empty and ready to be filled.

The good news is he wasn’t alone. 1 Kings says “the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night … “, during the late hours when fears and worries grow thick and men turn back into little boys, dwarfed by the responsibilities of living and providing for those under their care. With more power and authority than a genie in a bottle, God reassures Solomon, offering to make his biggest dreams come true.

Imagine for a second that you’re a young Solomon. The world sits at your feet. Every dream you’ve ever thought of dreaming is only a few words from being made reality. You’re being offered success on a platter. So, dreaming friends … If you could have one wish, what would it be?

An international speaking career? A multi-book contract with a massive signing bonus? Your name in lights, recognized by strangers on the street?  A never-ending flow of brilliant ideas and skills to match? Wealth that would alleviate financial insecurity once and for all? Enough friends and family that you’ll never again feel alone? A life of peace and ease, without complication and the threat of crisis?

Over wealth and notoriety, peace and career success, Solomon opted for wisdom. Something impossible for the unworthy to grab, hard for ordinary eyes to see, and difficult for earthly standards to quantify. He chose the last thing most of us would opt for, and the one thing God was hoping he’d desire.

When you’re praying and dreaming this week, wishing upon stars and imagining the impossible, don’t overlook the simple and yet unmatched beauty of a life of wisdom. Go ahead: ASK FOR IT. God’s hoping its the one treasure, above all others, your heart’s truly seeking anyway.

• Day 155 (Monday): Proverbs 4-6
• Day 156: Proverbs 7-9
• Day 157: Proverbs 10-12
  
• Day 158: Proverbs 13-15
  
• Day 159: Proverbs 16-18
  
• Day 160: Proverbs 19-21
  
• Day 161: Proverbs 22-24