June 2

When God told Solomon, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you” (1 Kings 3:5), He exposed the young king’s heart. Solomon didn’t ask for riches or revenge—he asked for wisdom. His request in both 1 Kings 3 and 2 Chronicles 1 reveals a profound truth: true leadership begins with humility. Solomon knew he was ruling God’s people, not his own, and he needed divine discernment to do it well.

God was pleased. Solomon’s request wasn’t self-serving; it was centered on service and stewardship. And in return, God gave him both wisdom and the things he didn’t ask for—wealth, honor, and long life. When our hearts are aligned with God's purposes, He is able to entrust us with more than we imagined.

Yet, even with all this favor, the human heart remains vulnerable. That’s why Psalm 42 is so relatable:  “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God…” (Psalm 42:5)

Wisdom doesn’t exempt us from weariness. Even the faithful feel dry, forgotten, or far from God at times. The psalmist teaches us to do something powerful in those moments: preach truth to our own souls. He doesn’t deny his feelings—he brings them honestly before God and roots himself in hope.

Romans 8 then lifts our eyes to the ultimate source of wisdom, strength, and hope: the Spirit of God.  

“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1)

“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (v. 16)

Solomon asked for wisdom to rule well. The Spirit gives us wisdom to live well—empowering us to overcome sin, endure suffering, and walk in confidence as beloved sons and daughters of God.

And Paul reminds us of the unshakable truth that sustains us through every dry season, every hard choice, and every fear:  “Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39)

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