“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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
This past week has been tumultuous and historic for all the wrong reasons.
It is perfectly normal to feel frustrated, angry, fearful. These are natural reactions. However, I want to encourage you to move on from frustration, anger, and fear. Frustration, anger, and fear wants to paralyze you into passivity. What is needed in our country is not just passivity, but productive actions; actions that will lead to a better and mutually desired future.
I encourage you to channel your emotions to courageously fight against and make your stand against violence, bias, and lies.
The scriptures give us a three step plan how we can channel our frustrations, anger, and fear into action. God tells us, “If my people who are called by my name…” That’s you. That’s me. That’s the church.
“If my people who are called by my name…”
1. Will humble themselves
2. Pray and seek my face
3. Turn from our wicked ways
When we do these three things, God promises, “to hear from heaven, forgive our sins, and bring healing to our land.” What a fantastic promise. We desperately need healing.
- But too often, we are a nation that wants God’s heaven without humbling ourselves.
- Too often, we are a nation that wants God’s blessings without praying and seeking God’s ways.
- Too often, we are a nation that wants God’s healing and forgiveness without turning from our wicked ways.
God, forgive us. Lord, have mercy.
I invite you to join with me in praying for our nation this week. Pray for the President. Pray for Vice President Pence. Pray for our congressional and senate leaders. Pray for the President and Vice President elect.
Pray that our nation would humble ourselves, pray and seek God’s ways, and turn from our wicked ways. Pray that God will bring healing to our land. Pray for wisdom as our leaders gather to discern best ways to bring healing to our land.
Praxis: Faith in Action 