We could paraphrase many of our prayers in this way: “God, get down here and fix it.” We commonly plead for God to end our pain, suffering, conflict, or threat from an enemy. These prayers can build up a lot of spiritual resentment in us when God fails to appear on command like a genie out of a lamp to give us what we want.
However, Solomon does not ask to get out of anything. He does not bemoan the difficulty of the work or request a rescue. He doesn’t seem to expect miracles or even special treatment as king. He does not lash out at God because his father is dead or because his father wasn’t around enough when he was alive. Instead, he expresses gratitude for the many kindnesses God has shown him, and he asks for wisdom and discernment to face the challenges ahead.
While I am certain God can handle it when we rage at God because of unanswered prayers and while I believe it is better to be honest with God than untruthfully modest and compliant, we may be better served to pause our demands of God and reevaluate our expectations. Is God the giver of an easy life or the giver of strength and wisdom? Is God is in the business of making shortcuts or making hard things possible? In this moment, will I ask for deliverance or for wisdom?