We are in the middle of studying the life of Solomon in Junior Church. Yesterday, we studied I Kings 3. This is the chapter where God appeared to Solomon in a dream “and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.” (1 Kings 3:5) We took a little time, and I asked the children a question for fun. I asked them, “If you could ask God for one thing, what would you ask for?” We got some great answers! The spiritual kids said things like, “I would ask Him for a Bible.” (Even though they had one in their lap.) The more honest kids said things like, “I would like every game I would want for my XBox 360.” (The funny part is that other kids put their hands down and were upset because their answer was just taken!) It is always fun to teach these kinds of narratives to young people! As I studied this lesson in the context of 1st- 4th graders, I was intrigued as a parent. This was Solomon’s request to God’s incredible offer. “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?” (1 Kings 3:9) Solomon saw the overwhelming responsibility of being a young leader, and his desire was for God to give him discernment. He desired to be able to distinguish truth from falsehood. He longed for a heart that could comprehend the difference between the good and the bad. This is a powerful prayer for a parent. We live in a culture pulling us in every direction. We have experts that expect us to pursue every modern trend in parenting. We have deceivers who desire to destroy the the very foundations of our homes. (2 John 1:7) We have our own traditions that we bring from our own experiences of childhood. Parenting children can be an overwhelming task whether our children are babies, teenagers, or even into adulthood. Solomon’s prayer is a wonderful example for us as parents. Have you ever needed wisdom to distinguish the truth from falsehood as you parent? The marvelous truth is that God has presented to us the same opportunity that He offered Solomon. God’s Word says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally [bountifully], and upbraideth not [does not bring shame or reproach]; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5) There are a lot of situations and circumstances that come up in parenting that can overwhelm and discourage us. We must come to God like Solomon and beg for the wisdom that He has promised. As I raise the two children that God has blessed me with, I constantly find myself needing God’s wisdom. The problem is that I find myself often depending on my own knowledge instead of God’s wisdom. May we as parents follow the example of one of the wisest man to ever live. Whatever the decision or difficulty take the time to humble yourself and ask God for wisdom. The remarkable result of humbly seeking God for wisdom is that God has promised that He will give it!