King Solomon had just constructed the most magnificent worship facility on earth. Yet he did not assume God would always listen to his prayers. The wise king understood that every time he prayed, God would look first at his heart before considering his request. Solomon could have built a thousand marvelous edifices to his God, but that would not exempt him from the penetrating, holy, divine gaze.
We can mistakenly assume that God stands at our beck and call, regardless of how we have been conducting ourselves. We can live recklessly without abiding in Christ, and then desperately lift up a cry for help when we begin to reap what we have sown! Yet if we choose to live without a constant reliance upon God’s presence in our lives, we should not assume He stands ready to rush to our aid when we need Him to clean up the mess we have made.
King Solomon was the most exalted king in his nation’s history, yet he did not presume upon God. He did not assume that because he was the top leader of the land, or the son of King David, that he had any special exemptions from God for his conduct. Solomon knew that to whom much is given, much is required. Do you want God to walk closely with you in times of trouble? If you do, cultivate your walk with him now.