Grace Notes // When We Were Kings Week 3
From the Head to the Heart
Written by Keli Miller
In a dream, moments after Solomon had just made offerings in the High Places (which he wasn’t supposed to do) God meets Solomon and asks him, “What do you want?” To which Solomon makes his famous and humbled request for wisdom.
I love this exchange because it’s classic God, full of kindness and grace. Last week we zoomed in on all of Solomon’s shortcomings and heart’s division, and this week we see God meeting him in that place. God sees Solomon's heart’s division and says, “Hey, let me give you what you want”, “Let me be your everything.” And then he does it, he blesses Solomon with wisdom.
God desires to be our everything and takes joy in providing, even when we fall short.
Here in 1 Kings 3, we have a young Solomon, attempting to fill his father's shoes and lead a nation. He has a god sized need and is humbled by the task ahead of him. He knows his need for help from God. Fast forward to the end of his life, we see a Solomon that is jaded and burdened by the responsibilities that come with wisdom.
“For with much wisdom comes much sorrow;
the more knowledge, the more grief.” -Solomon, Ecclesiastes 1:18
Solomon had all the knowledge one mind could hold, but his heart did not desire the things his head knew. When it came to his wisdom he failed to make the 18 inch journey from the head to the heart. He never learned to love Godly wisdom, rather he was led by his heart's desires.
“Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.” - Solomon, Proverbs 4:23
Solomon had all the answers, but never fully surrendered his heart to God. It’s not enough to simply know all the answers, we have to move from our head to our heart. More than behavior modification, what Solomon needed most was a new affection for Godliness in his heart.
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” - Jesus, John 8:32
When Jesus preached these words, he was offering a knowledge that would not just fill our heads but one that would transform our hearts. The truth that Jesus was offering was one that was meant to penetrate our hearts' very desires. Just like God met Solomon and asked him what he wanted, Jesus would follow and ask the same question throughout his ministry. “What do you want?” And also, “Will you trust me with your need? Will you give me your heart fully?”
Possibly the most important journey we will ever take is the journey from the head to the heart - letting God saturate every aspect of our life and surrendering all that we have for His glory. This is where life changing wisdom begins.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise. - Psalm 111:10
In the Word
1 Kings 3: 1-15
Ecclesiastes 1:16-18
Ephesians 4:17-24
Processing
How have you seen God transform your heart?
What do you know in your head but struggle to believe in your heart?
God is a joyful provider. How does this statement resonate with you?
Is there a need in your life that you can bring to God?