Solomon made mistakes. Two traits come quickly to mind when I hear his name — wisdom and women.
He humbly asked God for the best. Yet, he allowed his flesh to control some of his decisions, and in the end the idolatry that entered his home as a result of those decisions caused him to stop walking so closely with God.
But, we haven’t gotten to that yet, so I guess I’m getting ahead of the story. For now, he lives wisely. God’s blessings shower down on him. His fame travels the globe and international leaders take note. This people group that rose out of slavery in Egypt continues to gain recognition when they obey and God moves on their behalf.
The queen of Sheba arrives and says this, “Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the LORD loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness.” (I Kings 10:9)
Solomon’s life causes strangers, pagan strangers to praise God. Solomon is clearly a blessing to the people he leads. He is temporarily trapped in an upward spiral of blessing and obedience. God uses him, he obeys, others worship God, God can use him more . . .
I pray that my life would so obviously shine with God’s blessing and my obedience that it would draw praise heavenward from others, even complete strangers.
He has given me many roles, although not as the King of Israel, and a small circle of influence (primarily my children that witness my faith or lack thereof on a daily basis). I need to faithfully fulfill the tasks He gives me, use the gifts He bestows on me, and make it obvious that He is behind it all.
Whether as a public leader, a silent sufferer, a daily worker, a volunteer, an up-front speaker, a behind-doors pray-er, a soldier, a support, or whatever role with which He honors me, I want Him to show through me, clearly visible.
With that at the forefront of my life I can cling to the precious promises of Psalm 91:
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.7A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.9Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place—
the Most High, who is my refuge—
10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
no plague come near your tent.11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.14“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.
15When he calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
Thank you, Lord, for your great and precious promises. Use me where you have me and may all the praise come right back to You who alone is worthy.
~Erin
Sixty-six books in a year 