2 Chronicles 7:14

“If my people who are called by my name would 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.”

 When we read Scripture, we need to first look at it in context of when it was written and/or for who. The immediate context of this verse is dealing with the temple and Israel, and how from time-to-time God would send judgement against them. He explains what they need to do in order to be forgiven and not suffer the wrath of God. Thankfully, we live in the age after Jesus came and sacrificed himself for our sins. We still, however, can apply this Scripture to today’s world. He gives us a guideline to first humble ourselves, seek His face and turn from our wicked ways. When we accept Jesus into our lives and repent of our sins then God forgives us. True repentance involves change of our attitudes and behaviors. This is whether we sin as a nation, as a group or individually. God answers earnest prayers. This can be a struggle, but God wants what’s best for us. That doesn’t always look the way we want it to look. God loves us so much.

Dear Lord, I pray that you would help me to be humble, to bow before you and ask for forgiveness and turn from my wicked ways. Let me be a beacon of hope, let your life and love shine through me to help others. Lord, I pray for our nation, I pray that those who know you would take the time and effort to fall to our knees to humble ourselves and ask for forgiveness of any wrongs that we have committed as a nation. I pray all this through Jesus name, Amen.