“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV
Solomon had just finished building the temple of the Lord and the royal palace and had completed the dedication of the temple and had sent the people back to their homes, “joyful and glad in heard for the good things the LORD had done for David and Solomon and for his people Israel.” (2 Chronicles 7:10 NIV)
While Solomon is in his own palace, the Lord appears to him at night and tells him that He has heard his prayers and lays out the guidelines for His blessing… Obedience = Blessing and the flip side Disobedience = Disaster.
I can’t help but think about the disasters that affect our Nation and this World. Floods, fire, AIDS, the economy…how many of these things are the result of God’s hand of protection being removed, as a direct consequence of God being removed from the very foundation of it all?
Where does my part fit in? How often do I pray for our Nation, our President, our World leaders, etc.? Do I support those who are out there fighting for Christian principles and beliefs? Do I take a public stand for things that matter to God?
Heavenly Father,
I am so sorry Lord for neglecting to pray for those, whom You have placed in positions of power in this World. Our land needs healing desperately, and only You have the power to bring about that healing. But first, You ask us to humble ourselves, pray, seek Your face, and turn from our wicked ways. Please help me to do my part willingly and without question and to always honor You above all else.
Amen.
Beckie (look2thehills)
From the archives. Originally published May 23, 2009.
Sixty-six books in a year 