“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 will heal their land.”(NIV)

The Lord appeared and spoke these words to Solomon – the son of King David – when Solomon had completed building the temple and royal palace in Jerusalem. In the context of the time it was written, it was talking about the people and land of Israel, and how at times they may have to endure the judgements of God on their land. It could be said that we can apply this to our lives today – both personally and in our society. God wants to forgive us so we must repent and seek the Lord and then He can intervene in whatever we are experiencing.

To seek God’s face means we truly desire to know Him and for Him to be known to us. But we must ask for this to happen – we must invite Him into our lives, He won’t force himself on us. In Matthew 7:7 Jesus says “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.”  In the original language this is not meant as a one-off action, we are to keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking. God is listening all the time, and even if the answer is not always exactly what we want then we must trust that God is good and what he has planned for us is the correct path.

This verse shows us the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and then being willing to change for the better. If we reflect on our actions and come to God with a humble heart, then we can trust in Gods promise that He will heal and restore us.

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Application:

• Call out to the Lord for anything and everything.
• Humble yourself to God rather than relying on yourself.
• Pray openly to focus your mind on God.
• Turn away from your sins and temptations.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I pray that you will hear me as I cry out to you in this busy and loud world. I pray that you will forgive me for all my wrong doings in thought, word, and deed. I pray that you will cleanse me with your grace and restore the loving relationship between us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.