Advent Devotions

Today’s author is Prince of Peace member Debbie Jorgens.

Text: 1 Kings 3:4-28

Solomon was probably just in his early twenties when he ascended to the throne after his father, King David. And although he loved the Lord and genuinely desired to govern the people of Israel well, Solomon recognized that his youth and lack of leadership experience were hardly the credentials he needed for the awesome responsibility of being king.

So when God said, “Ask what I should give you,” Solomon didn’t hesitate. “Give your servant an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil….”

The Hebrew reveals that what Solomon actually asked for is a lev shomea – a listening heart. Considering that he could have asked for anything – a successful reign, victory over his enemies, fame or riches – Solomon’s humble request demonstrated that he already possessed more wisdom than most.

A lev shomea. It’s a beautiful image. Solomon was asking for a heart that could hear; a heart sensitive to God’s voice; a heart open to receiving divine wisdom that would guide him in the decisions he had to make each day.

We need to seek and raise up leaders who desire a listening heart; who can lead with humility, wisdom, and compassion. But it’s not only those in formal leadership roles or positions of power who need a lev shomea; all of us need listening hearts.

Every day the noise around us seems to get louder (especially in this election season) as we’re exposed to countless opinions, endless news reports, a barrage of political ads, and voices competing for our attention. Much of the information we receive needs to be scrutinized to determine whether it’s fact, fiction, or somewhere in-between. More than ever, it seems, we need listening hearts to hear God’s voice above all the noise and to discern what is true.

And, of course, we need listening hearts to discern how God is leading us – individually and as a community of faith – to respond to the ever-increasing needs of our neighbors, near and far.

Generous God, give us listening hearts to receive your divine wisdom. Amen.