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. – 2 Chronicles 7:14
Americans are not, by nature, a humble society. They take pride in their work and are inclined to self-reliance. Self-esteem is prioritized, and pundits have boasted about this nation having the strongest economy, the greatest military, and the highest levels of education. A popular song from the 1980s stated, “O Lord, it’s hard to be humble, when you’re perfect in every way.”
Theologian J.I. Packer wrote, “Being humble is not a matter of pretending to be worthless, but is a form of realism, not only regarding the real badness of one’s sins and stupidities and the real depth of one’s dependence on God’s grace, but also regarding the real range of one’s abilities. Humble believers know what they can and cannot do.” In today’s verse, the Lord reminded Solomon that blessings would be on him and on his nation provided the people adopt an attitude of humility when they prayed—which He clearly invited them to do.
Jesus discussed being in humble reliance upon the Lord in His lesson on the vine and the branches, saying, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). A branch removed from the vine has no life in it. It cannot bear fruit and becomes worthless. This teaching of Jesus and the instructions to Solomon remain essential for the United States today. Seek to be humble before the Lord in your prayers and your life. Let humility be at the center of your relationship with Him. Pray for America’s leaders to humble themselves before the Father, pray, and find life in Jesus.
Today’s Verse: 2 Chronicles 7:14
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.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: John 15:1-11
15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
