I Kings 3: 9-10
"Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern Your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of Yours?"
The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom.
God was pleased that Solomon had asked for "an understanding heart," and so He also gave him riches and wealth and honor and a peaceful reign. And God allowed Solomon to build Him the very first Temple to house the Ark of the Covenant of God.
Under Solomon's rule the whole, united nation of Israel (including Judah, all twelve tribes) had a glorious beginning, all the pieces were in place and God's great nation enjoyed a time of great peace and prosperity.
America also had a very good beginning, giving us a long time of relative peace and great prosperity. But, like Israel, our very prosperity has blinded our eyes to God's glory and blessings to us, and we have turned from His ways to indulge in our own lusts. This has resulted in our nation going from the world's creditor to great debtor, has stolen the value of our money, and robbed us of the prosperity we enjoyed previously.
O our great Father, please continue to wake up Your people to perceive how far we have fallen from Your ways, and teach us what we each must do to return Your righteousness to our nation; lead and guide those in our government into right ways to accomplish Your plans for us. May we once again be that "city on a hill that cannot be hid," Your light shining into the world to draw all nations to You and Your ways.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
