Asking for Wisdom

“I am like a little child;
I don’t know how to do what must be done…
I ask that you give me a heart that understands…”
~1 Kings 3:7, 9 NCV~

“… for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young— let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance— for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” ~Proverbs 1:2-7

“An aristocratic herb with a savory flavor and hidden tang” (Lesley Bremness, The Complete Book of Herbs, p.165), tarragon is an essential ingredient in French cuisine, referred to as the “King of Herbs.” This herb of Artemis, who was the “Goddess of the Hunt,” was also administered for healing. Possibly due to its fiery flavor or serpent-like roots, the herb gains its name from the Latin dracunculus, or “little dragon,” a symbol of hidden knowledge.

Isn’t that what so many of us long for? Our hearts stir with a yearning to know what to do and to do what is right. It’s what Solomon asked for in 1 Kings:  a “heart that understands.”

In the midst of our cancel culture, crazy complexes, and chronic anxieties, it stands to reason that humanity’s dysfunction lies in the chaos of not knowing God. Our hearts scream within us that we don’t know how to do something, or who we’re supposed to be, or how to get what we want. And we become anxious - insecure - depressed. We have hearts that do not understand the beginning of wisdom. And if we don’t know God—if we aren’t rooted in our Creator—our insecurities will drive us to hold onto anything that “feels” like it might hold. For a while, at least.

“The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for…discernment in administering justice…I will give you a wise and discerning heart.” - 1 Kings 3:11-12

Our hearts long to know God, who is the beginning of wisdom, and to find our heart-homes in Him. He is our security, the Rock into which we can sink our roots and not be moved.

The wonderful truth is that James 1:5 encourages us that God hears us when we ask for wisdom:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” - James 1:5

And when we pray for wisdom, we can believe that He will answer and guide our steps. We discover that we as image bearers of God have “intrinsic worth and value” (The Inner Peace, by Joel Muddamelle). We find our hearts have a true and lasting home in Him.

French Chicken Tarragon by David Tanis
6 large chicken thighs (about 3 pounds)

Salt and pepper

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 shallots, finely diced

2 garlic cloves, grated or minced

2 teaspoons chopped tarragon, plus whole leaves for garnish

1 cup Chicken Broth 

1/2 cup dry white wine

1/2 cup crème fraîche (can substitute buttermilk)

1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest

 

Season chicken generously with salt and pepper. Let stand for 30 minutes. Sauté shallots in butter in stock pot until soft and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and chopped tarragon and cook 1 minute. Arrange thighs in pot in one layer, adding broth and wine, and bring to a simmer. With lid on, bake for 15 minutes at 400 degrees, then lower heat to 350 and continue to bake for 45 minutes. Strain pan juice and add crème fraîche and zest and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Spoon sauce over chicken and garnish with tarragon leaves.