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 (2 Chronicles 7:14).
The land of the free and the home of the brave is in crisis; a crisis of choosing darkness over light and cursing over blessing. Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you today; and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known (Deuteronomy 11:26-28 -NKJV).
As we celebrate the fourth with our families and friends, let’s take time to pray for God do a HUGE work in us, the church of the Lord Jesus. Because as goes the church, so goes the nation.
When a nation is challenged, God looks to the believer in that nation to humble themselves and pray. All change within a nation starts with the believers in that nation. We must humble ourselves, examined our lives, repent of sin, and ask God for mercy not only for ourselves, but also for the nation in which we live.
We are to also seek His face. Seeking God’s face in Old Testament usage means to live in such a way that our lifestyle makes Him smile. A small child will often do things to get mom or dad’s attention, and to make his parents smile.
The next phrase in this scripture is turn from their wicked ways. When we turn in repentance from that which displeases the Lord and do the things that bring His smile, He goes into action for the nation.
Then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. All of this starts with three words: if my people.
Our world is not trending towards biblical values. Rather it is becoming more and more lawless, so biblical morality may never be a part of American law again. Let’s not wait until the congress passes laws that are in favor of christian values; let’s not wait until prayer is allowed in schools again. Let’s not wait until laws are passed that outlaw the killing of innocent children through abortion.
Let’s start right now to deal with ourselves; to make a choice to live in obedience to the loving voice of a Father through His word; to love our neighbors as we love ourselves; to treat others the way we want to be treated; to let His light shine in how we behave each day at home with our immediate families.
His mercies are renewed every single day. Let’s beseech God on behalf of our beloved country. Father, forgive us for our personal sins against you and your Holiness. We humble ourselves and ask you to manifest your presence in us in a fresh way in us. Use us as individual lights in the darkness of the hour. Move us into positions to speak with others about you and your love, mercy, kindness, and forgiveness. Bring a fresh moving of the Holy Spirit to this nation through the prayers of your people. Bring healing to this land, in Jesus’ name.