“and my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭CSB‬‬

This verse is a favorite. And for good reason! What a comfort to hear God speak to me this way. It’s a relief to know there’s always a way out of my sin and bad choices. God promises to forgive me. I have heard someone say this verse wasn’t meant for me. It was only meant for the Israelites after Solomon had completed and dedicated the temple. A very specific time, place, audience and circumstance. While this is true – God did say this at that time, to those people, for that reason – but I believe it is also true for me and my nation today. It is consistent with God’s character, consistent with Jesus’s message of redemption, consistent with everything I know about God from reading His entire word. If His people – people who believe Jesus and accept Him as their Savior – if we humble ourselves, pray and seek His face, and turn from all our many wicked ways, He will forgive our sin and heal our land. My land is America, and it sure needs healing. If we Christians, God’s people who bear His name, do this individually and collectively in churches and other organizations, frequently and intentionally, I know that God will keep this promise.

Dear God,

Thank you for this promise. I know you are a faithful God who keeps your promises! I pray today that the Christians in my land take this promise seriously. We need healing! Show me exactly how I can do this in my own life today. And teach me how I can inspire and participate in the collective humbling, praying, seeking, and turning you desire.