I Don’t Have All the Answers

There is this passage in the Bible, from 1 Kings, chapter 3, where we learn that King Solomon has a dream. In the dream, God appears to him and says, “Ask for anything you want…” And Solomon makes this amazing statement:  

“I am only a little child; (he was young at that point, but not that young!) I do not know how to go out or come in… Give your servant… an understanding mind…” 

In other words, I don’t know all there is to know… I don’t have all the answers… I need help.

What a stunning response! When was the last time you heard a politician say, I don’t know? Have you ever heard a politician say I don’t know? I don’t have all the answers. I don’t know all there is to know.

Now, if a politician said that today, we probably wouldn’t vote for them, would we? But in everyday life, the people we trust the most are those who don’t have all the pat answers. The people we trust the most are able to listen… The people we trust the most are those who have a desire to learn – even from those with whom they disagree.

When Solomon offers this prayer, the scripture says: It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this.

Why do you think that is? Is there something about a stance of humility, of openness to learn, of letting go of ego that is not only vital to a life of faith but also vital for human life to flourish?

My prayer for today is that you and I would be the kind of people who actively seek God’s wisdom, who listen intently, and who maintain open hearts and open minds. 

Let us pray: Loving God, we don’t have to look far to see that there is far more to this world than we can comprehend. We are confronted with mystery at every turn. Keep our spirits ever open, so that our relationships with You and others would flourish. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.