June 17 Day 24

2 Samuel 22-1 Kings 7:12

Admittedly I rushed through my reading today. And I have to admit I didn't give it full measure to percolate and seek deep application. Personally, if you are reading this, please pray for me that I readjust my schedule accordingly to give God's Word the rightful place in my life in the face of busy schedules. Busy should never get in the way... but I've let it creep in there.

So the one thing that popped out to me today after reading a bit about Solomon. Of course he has to make every one of us look bad because when pray for "blessings" he prays for wisdom and of course gets "blessings" as a consequence of his request. Obviously I'm not the wisest person that ever has lived... even in this lifetime. But lest I digress....
In 1 Kings 3 we read in this passage about Solomons request for wisdom... but what I never realized was what it records in verse 15... "Then Solomon awoke - and he realized it had been a dream. He returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the Lord's covenant and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then he gave a feast for all his court."

I never realized this conversation between he and God occurred during a dream. I often pray at night before I go to bed for God to speak to me in my dreams. And I half-heartedly expect that He will answer. So this alone is impressive... but what is more impressive is that afterward Solomon acted on those dreams by offering praises and sacrifices showing he really believed God spoke to him in those dreams. This is where I often differ. Though I've prayed for it, my disbelief of Him actually answering has prevented me from really truly believing I've heard him. Many days I'll wake up and think I've heard Him... sometimes even in the middle of the dream. But in my disbelief, I excuse it as something I've eaten before I went to bed... or some stress I find myself under at that particular time. Never have I truly got up... gone to "Jerusalem" (or even to my living room for that matter) and offered a sacrifice of praise for Him answering me and speaking to me. What disbelief I've been exhibiting.

Thank you for this word today, that you actually can and do speak to us through dreams. I pray as I fall asleep tonight that this revelation will be confirmed to me tonight that I might meet with you even as I gain rest for my physical body. I pray that you'll be renewing my mind through communion with your Spirit inside of me. Forgive me for my inadequacies and my disbelief that has prevented me from hearing You and responding accordingly.

Amen!!!