Yesterday we celebrated the anniversary of our country's freedom and independence as a nation. Though Justin and I missed out on the lake and BBQ, I did insist on buying a watermelon which was kept in the fridge until we cut it open last night and savored its ice-cold refreshment. It's just not summer until you have watermelon.
And though there was the excitement of watermelon and fireworks popping in the distance, this incredible nation that we've been blessed to live in is not without its faults. On Sunday morning the pastor preached from 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Justin and I have discussed several times since then the importance of that verse.
"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.....will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." I hear so many people asking for God to bless America. And yes, I want God to bless us as much as the next person, don't get me wrong. I definitely pray for blessing. But I wonder....according to this verse, His blessings come only after we have done our part. Only after we have humbled ourselves, prayed, and sought the Lord diligently, THEN it says, He will hear and forgive and heal.
I wonder....why are we so quick to ask the Lord for His blessings, but yet so slow to get on our knees in desperate submission and repentance for our sin which has so grieved our Savior? I am just as guilty as anyone, but this verse has been convicting. What a reminder. Though this is directed at the children of Israel, if you'll look at verse 13 you'll see that it looks like God has caused famine and plagues to come upon them SO THAT they will humble themselves... He longs for us to draw near to Him because He knows the goodness that awaits us. He knows what glory and majesty is there in stark contrast to the sin and darkness we prefer to wallow in.
Oh God, yes please bless us! But help us to turn our eyes and hearts to you. May we humble ourselves before you have to humble us and the consequences are far greater. May we understand the gravity of our sin and how far we've come so that we fall on our faces before you begging you to forgive our sin and heal our land. If the Christians do not do this, who will?
Again, please don't misunderstand me. I love America. I'm proud to have been born here. I'm so thankful for everything we enjoy here and I'm thankful for the men and women who fought for our freedom. I've traveled to other countries and believe me, I don't take that for granted. But I think we miss something when we expect God to bless us as we go about our merry way doing the same things we've been doing and refusing to change. He says "then...." Then. Seems to me I have some praying and repenting to do before I ask God to give me more than what He already has...
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