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Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours? 2 Chronicles 1:10

Earlier this month I celebrated the birth of my second child. In the midst of adjusting to this newborn phase of life again, I was asked whether being a parent has caused me to feel less care-free and more burdened with responsibility.

My immediate response was to say that being a parent entails more responsibility and has caused me to assess my choices more carefully because the consequences of my decisions impact more people.  

As I reflected upon my response and also my typical reaction to increased obligations (i.e. stress levels rise and anxieties increase), I was reminded of Solomon’s request for wisdom when he was tasked with leading the Israelites. 

What a difference that request made in Solomon’s life. He realised the enormity of the undertaking and knew it required God-given wisdom in order for him to govern well.

While my orbit of responsibility has only increased by one person, Solomon’s story is a great reminder for me to keep my focus first and foremost on God and to seek wisdom and strength from Him no matter what circumstances lie ahead of me.

Let us take some time to:

• Thank God that we are invited to cast our anxieties on Him as stated in 1 Peter 5:7; and,
• Ask God to help us reflect on how we react to stressors in life and whether we focus on the “burden” or on God and His grace and power.