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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
(2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV)
The spiritual journey of the Israelites was extremely tumultuous. In times of prosperity and blessing, they would become proud and arrogant. Choosing to live life by their standards, they would turn their backs on the Lord and forsake Him. In love, God would discipline them and allow hardship to enter their lives. In their pain, the Israelites would cry out to God for relief and mercy. God would faithfully forgive their rebellion, only to have the cycle repeat itself over and over again. Does this sound familiar?
God desires revival. He longs for hearts to turn to Him. For a revival to happen, in a church or a nation, the following must occur in individual hearts:
- The people must humble themselves before God.
- The people must pray.
- The people must seek God’s will.
- The people must turn from their sinful ways.
Then God will hear, forgive their sin, and heal their land. Let’s learn from the Israelites and walk with the Lord in all times—both prosperity and peril.
Lord, we, Your people, need you. We want to and need to return to You! Please help us to humble ourselves and turn from our sinful ways. Be with us always! Amen.