II Chronicles 7:14   if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Whenever I listen to the radio I find myself on the 70s or 80s station. I tend to lean into the oldies - the tried and true. There are songs that come on that just never get old to me. They’re classics!

Today’s verse is a classic. It’s not hard to find it inscribed on plaques or posters. It is used as a prayer for revival. Held closely, it’s a prayer for personal and stock-taking and renewal. It speaks of a reality we might not like to confront - that we are part of the problem with ‘what’s wrong these days.’

This verse doesn’t call other people to get their act together and come to God. Though that would be a good thing. It speaks of ‘My people who are called by My name.’ We that are called by His name, Christ-ians, need to humble ourselves and pray and seek His face. Prayer is an act of humility. It is an admission that I am not my own God and that I cannot solve all my own problems.

There may be also a need for turning. David prayed for God to search him and see if there was any wicked way in him. If we discover wickedness we should turn from it. The Scriptures call that turning repentance.

If we want God to hear us; if we need forgiveness; if the land needs healing, just remember this classic verse. Play it again and again and do what it says.

 

Blessings,

Pastor Russ