This past Sunday Paul led us in the singing of a song titled Heal Our Land. The song is based on Psalm 147:3 which says “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” As I considered the words of the song I was reminded of how often times churches and hold special prayer meetings to pray for our country and our leadership. When we watch the news it is not uncommon to be driven to your knees when you realize how crazy this world is getting, and yet the Bible tells us that this is going to happen. Nevertheless, we often hear people praying and asking God to intervene. We sing songs like Heal our Land and we want God to do something about the mess that our country is in. Why is it that we pray for the president, senators, and congressmen? Sure, that is a good thing to do, but is it really going to heal our land like we are asking God to do? Is that how we are to pray? 2Chronicles 7:14 says “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 do not find any mention of the president or leadership of our nation mentioned in that passage. It does not say if our president prays or if we hold a national day of prayer for anyone and everyone to participate in. It says “if My people, who are called by My name…” It seems to me that God is talking to His people who are called by His name–Christians. That’s you and me! He is not talking about anyone and everyone, but He is talking specifically about His people; those who bear the name of Christ. The passage gives us four directives:
1. Humbles ourselves
2. Pray
3. Seek His face
4. Turn from our wicked ways
Humbling ourselves indicates that we as Christians need to recognize and admit our total dependence on God. Apart from Him we can do nothing, and yet we continue to try. We only call on God when we think we could use some help. Secondly, we are to pray. Christians need to pray. It is crazy to have to say this, but there are a lot of Christians who simply do not pray. Maybe it is because they have yet to humble themselves. Why would you not talk to the God of the universe who saved you and gives you life and breath? If nothing else, thank Him for that. Thank Him for saving you, day after day, after day. Third, we are to seek His face. You need to get to know more about God and the only way you are going to get to know Him is by reading His Word. Read your Bible! Fourth, we are to repent; turn from your wicked ways. Do you hate sin? Is there something in your life that you need to confess and ask God to do a work in your life? Please make sure that you take note of the fact that this directive is given to the people of God, and not a pagan nation.
If Christians will humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and repent of sin, God will heal our land. Sort of makes you wonder why our nation is in the condition that it is in today. Is it because of pagan leadership, or is it because the Church, the people of God are in need of personal revival in our own lives? David was the author of two Psalms in particular that show us how to really pray and confess sin. Take some time to read Psalm 32 and Psalm 51 where we are encouraged to confess sin, enjoy God’s forgiveness, rest in His providence, and bask in His amazing love. You go ahead and take the lead. Do what God has directed you to do, and who knows what God might do?