2 Chronicles 7:14 - Humbly Pray And Repent Finding Forgiveness And Healing.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) 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 heal their land.
INTRODUCTION
In 2 Chron. 6, Solomon asked God to make
provisions for the people when they sinned. God
answered with four conditions for forgiveness: (1)
humble yourself by admitting your sins, (2) pray to
God, asking for forgiveness, (3) seek God
continually, and (4) turn from sinful behavior. True
repentance is more than talk - it is changed behavior.
Whether we sin individually, as a group, or as a
nation, following these steps will lead to
forgiveness. God will answer our earnest prayers. [Life
Application SB]
COMMENTARY PEARL
Forgiven and Restored
The Lord honors the humble. Jesus offered
himself as the example in Matthew 11:29 when he
said: "Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you,
because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you
will find rest for your souls." Jesus is humble
and gentle, and so we should aim to be, as
well.
As we humble ourselves before the Lord,
we find rest in his forgiveness and
restoration. This isn't reserved for some who turn to
him, but for all who do! When we open our hearts
to the Lord, pray, seek his face, and turn from
our self-destructive or self-serving patterns,
he not only hears us. He forgives us and
restores us! May we have the courage to admit where
we are wrong and to change. Let's also be brave
enough to offer the same grace to others!
Admit where you have gotten it wrong,
both to God and to the people in your life. [365
Days of Courage by Sara Perry of Broadstreet
Pub]
CLOSING THOUGHT
If Gods people would do three things, God
would respond in three ways. The Lords people
needed to become humble, that is, confess; they
needed to pray, or repent; and they needed to turn,
or come back to Him. If they did, God would
hear, forgive, and heal them. [Nelson SB]
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY
Matthew 11:29 - Humble and Gentle Jesus.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20201023-0943.html
1 John 1:9 - Confession Brings Forgiveness
and Cleansing.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240215-0833.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
https://abible.com/links/