Attract God's Favor

Solomon was the son of the most famous king in the history of the nation of Israel, King David. King David was so renowned that even Jesus Christ will come back and sit on his throne. Just before his death, David installed Solomon, his son, as king over the entire kingdom of Israel. At the beginning of his reign, Solomon’s heart was wholly given over to God and his purposes.

1 Kings 3:3-5  Solomon showed his love for the LORD by walking according to the statutes of his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places. The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 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.”

I am always amazed at how God pays attention to those who sacrifice for his honor and his purposes. The heart of Solomon and the sacrifice made gained the attention of God and brought about the powerful encounter he had. Because of his humble and upright heart, Solomon asked God for wisdom and discernment to lead the people entrusted to him. Look at God’s response.

1 Kings 3:10-15 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for--both riches and honor--so that in your lifetime, you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David, your father did, I will give you a long life.” 

What are the things you are asking God for in your life? This story manifests the heart of God; he truly desires to bless those who are his. The question is not whether God wants to bless us or not, but rather where our heart is. What does God want from us? What truly pleases his heart?

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith, it is impossible to please God. Those who come to him must believe that he is and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Above all else, God is pleased when you believe him! When your trust is in God, and your greatest desire is for His kingdom and people, favor will chase you down! A person who truly operates in the faith of God will also be a person of love.

Galatians 5:6b  The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

A person who has a right heart towards God will also be a person who sacrifices for his purposes. So, what kind of sacrifices is God looking for? Here’s what King David said.

Psalm 51:7 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

The story of Solomon is another excellent reminder of how loving our God is! Please understand that God’s favor is not just for big names but for you today! When you know you are loved by God and righteous in his sight, like Solomon, your heart will…

Attract God’s Favor