…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 (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV).
A humble heart will not find it the least bit difficult to fall down on his knees and acknowledge that he has a Father and Lord that knows infinitely more than he does. If you look back through the history of the Israelites, you will notice that most of the time they got into trouble was when they neglected God and failed to seek His counsel.
By the grace of God we are called by His name and that in itself is a great privilege. When you acknowledge the greatness of God and his superiority, there is a lot to gain. He guides you in where you should go. He helps you out of sticky situations and rescues you from trouble. He helps you in times of temptation. He gives you strength when faced with taxing situations. He gives you wisdom when you are confused about what to do. What more could you ask for? What more could you need than all he has promised to give you if you will humble yourself and seek him?
I know that many times we find it difficult to trust in Him whom we cannot see. It happens to everyone, even to his own disciple who was with Him in ministry (remember Thomas?). But Jesus said, right after Thomas had seen and believed that it is more blessed to believe even without seeing. Let faith be your eyes.
Try to guard your heart from people who tend to lure you away from God, people who will try to use logic and earthly wisdom to pull you away from seeking God in prayer. Not only does prayer bring us closer to God, it also helps to, in the process, subject ourselves to His will for us. And take it from me, there is no greater joy than living out God’s will for you.
Toss pride out the window. Kick logic and earthly wisdom out the door. Whatever it is you may be going through learn to go to Him first and not as a last resort having tried all the various suggestions others must have tabled before you. Don’t be proud. Don’t be conceited. Be humble and turn to God in everything. Try not to learn this the hard way, I can promise you that it will not be profitable.
Take to heart the focal passage. It is only when you humble yourselves and pray that your sins will be forgiven and your land, and every thing that has to do with you, be healed and will prosper. It is just one of those simple principles.
And one more thing: as you bend your knee also bend your heart for humility is a thing of the heart and not just something physical. It’s a small wonder that at times even the lame is more humble than he who has no knee problems, right?
Learn to bend the knee, for only then will he take you higher. Shalom.
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