Our scripture this morning is 2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV).
If my people who are called by my name 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.
In this verse God lays out a way for His people to be restored to Him – humble ourselves, pray, seek Him, and repent. Each of these are necessary in order for us to accept Jesus as our savior and continue on the path He has set for us. God is always waiting for us to return, but we must make the effort ourselves.
Humbling ourselves is not something humans do well. I think we misunderstand that humbling ourselves before Him is the first step to being reconciled. When the prodigal son returns home, his first words are an admission of the mistake of trying to do it himself (Luke 15:21). This is what we must do, admit that our own way doesn’t work and ask His forgiveness.
Prayer is pretty self explanatory as our way of communicating with God. It allows us to share our concerns, which He already knows, but it makes us part of the process. Seeking His face means we want to be connected and in contact, and to do what He has told us is best.
Turning from our wicked ways is the hard part. We have to give up what we want and live in His love and His word. Jesus showed us what a life in constant contact with God can be. He endured the same temptation we do but because of His relationship with the Father, He did not fall into the trap evil sets for us. We can know the same love and strength every day as well if we humble ourselves before Him, pray, seek Him and repent.
Gracious God, in Your mercy You sent Your Son to save us from our sin. Help us to see that Your way is the only way, and may we show others Your love always. Amen.
