By Gbemiga Olakunle JP
” And the King went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar. In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night and GOD said, Ask what I shall give thee… Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people, that I may discern between good and bad:…
And GOD said unto him, Because thou has asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither has thou asked riches for thyself, nor asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgement;
Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou has not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.”- I Kings 3: 4-13.
As recorded in the above Scripture, King Solomon was showing his heart of gratitude unto GOD for making him to succeed his father- King David as the King of the Nation of Israel despite many intrigues from his fellow brothers. And he did so in an unusual way by making a thousand burnt offerings on one altar in one day!
It was this usual display of sacrificial giving that prompted GOD to give him an open cheque to ask for whatever he wanted.
This should serve as a lesson to us as individuals, families and other groups of people that we should always cultivate the good attitude of expressing our gratitude unto GOD for whatever blessing that He might have given us.
Even if we may be passing through some unpleasant situations or challenges of life, we should still remember to thank Him for the gift of life, good health, divine protection, provision and for fighting many unseeing battles of life for us.
The Holy Writ – the Holy Bible says that a living dog is better than a dead lion. And that as long as there is life in us, there will always be hope for a better tomorrow.
There is no doubt that presently this beloved Nation of ours- Nigeria may be passing through some unpleasant situations economically and security wise.
But we should cultivate the attitude of expressing our gratitude unto GOD for whatever we have in terms of good governance even if they may be short of our expectations, GOD can be moved to show us His mercy by turning the hearts of our Leaders to do what is right by ensuring that poverty is eradicated and there is High Standards of Living for every citizen of this country. This will automatically lead to an increase in our Life Expectancy which is below 50 years.
Lastly, as we mark another Democracy Day, let us show love by being our brothers/ sisters keepers and above all by being grateful to GOD for whatever position that we may found ourselves.
