“Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days.” I Kings 3:9-13 (NKJV)
God is asking Solomon what he wants, and Solomon asks for wisdom.
At that request, God says He will give him “a wise and understanding heart.” Then a few verses later, God says He’ll also give him what he’s not asked for, things like riches and long life.
Here’s the lesson that we can take away from this: Seek God first. He’ll take care of the rest.
This space is about faith and fitness. While my intent is never to take God’s Word out of context, I ask Him to show me if there’s a way we can apply parts of Scripture to our health and wellness.
Solomon’s request of God and God’s response is similar to what happens for the woman who chooses to integrate her faith and her fitness.
The women I have helped break free from a dieting mindset say that they’ve become closer to God in the process. Women start out wanting to find a new way to do fitness, and they not only find that, but more importantly, they get closer to the Lord while doing so.
Why? We build this healthy life on a foundation of faith.
Before she moves on to establishing a consistent exercise routine or addressing food issues, she makes faith a priority. Each woman acknowledges that learning what God says about her and her body and believing these words is the first step in living a sustainable healthy life.
Just like Solomon, she gets the benefits of changes in her eating and exercise habits, but it’s only a by-product of first seeking to know God more and opening her heart to receive His love and acceptance of her.
Action Step
Have you placed more importance on outward results—a physical transformation—than you have on your relationship with the Lord? Seek God first. He will help you with the rest.
