Start with Me, Lord
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. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Keep in mind that I am not a theologian. I am, however, a believer in Christ who walks with him as my friend and Lord. My comments are birthed from observations, wonderings, questions, and concerns.
My thoughts this morning are with the Scripture above. In particular, I am concerned about the portion, “If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves…“
I tread carefully because I approach a subject dear to my heart and probably dear to yours. Our nation. The United States of America. To clarify, this is not intended to be a political post. On the contrary, it is intended to step away from politics. It is intended to take a look at the hearts and souls of people who profess to know God.
“If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves…” In a context of possible judgment, the first instruction for prayer is towards personal repentance. We want revival, but do we want the kind of revival that starts with… Me? We want revival where hearts are changed, but this kind of revival starts with Me. We want revival where people turn away from sin and towards God, but this kind of revival starts with Me. We want revival where forgiveness and healing of our land are commonplace, but this kind of revival starts with Me.
Take a stand for righteousness. Absolutely. Be a voice for the those who have no voice. Absolutely. Yet if we are standing in prayer for God to help others, our prayers must include: Start with Me, Lord. That is not a selfish prayer. It is wisdom from God.
I have a rule when I pray for my “enemies.” I enter with full awareness that I am going to close the prayer this way. Lord, you know everything I just prayed for so and so? Well… start with Me. Do in me everything I just asked you to do for them. Trust me. This will change how you pray for those who do not agree. I am far more merciful and purposeful when I know I am also going to be the recipient of God’s response.
Today is a good day to turn towards God in honest and un-pretended faith.
Have your way in Me, Lord. Have your way in Me.
Mary ♡
repost from February 8, 2021