2 Chronicles 1: 7

2 Chronicles 1:7 says, In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.  That night, God appeared to Solomon and told him to ask for what he wanted.  I have to wonder if God appeared to us today telling us the same thing what we might ask for.  Verse eight adds, And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.  Before asking God for what he wanted, Solomon gave God praise for having shown mercy on David his father and for choosing him to reign in David's place.  As Christians, before we ask God for anything, we should praise Him for His mercy in redeeming us.  Verse nine continues, Now, O Lord God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.  Solomon then asked that God's promise to David be established, because the kingdom of Israel was now a large kingdom.  We need to always look to God to allow us to help establish His kingdom by spreading the gospel and living under the authority of the Holy Spirit.  We do not serve God for material benefits, and if they do come, they should be used to build God's kingdom at least spiritually.  As followers of Christ, whatever we do should bring glory to God.  Verse ten states, Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?  Solomon then asked for wisdom, because he felt that no one would be able to rule such a great number of people by their own abilities.  We cannot do the work of God today, no matter how great or small, by our own abilities, but must look to God for the wisdom and strength to do whatever He calls us to do.  I believe that too often we concentrate on material things instead of the wisdom of God.  Verse eleven adds, And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:  God pointed out all the things tha Solomon could have asked for and didn't.  Solomon asked for wisdom instead.  I hear some people claim that if we want something as Christians, all we have to do is tell God and He will give it to us, but if we don't first ask God for the wisdom to know what He wants us to have, then I believe we are asking with the wrong attitude.  God is not a genie Who grants our every wish.  Verse twelve continues, Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.  God then told Solomon that He would not only give him wisdom, but also riches like no king had seen before him.  If we allow God to give us the wisdom to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord, then we already have riches like no one in this life will ever know.  We have a home in heaven.  Worldly riches will pass away, so I have to wonder why that is often all we as followers of Christ seem to want.