2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people, who belong to me, humble themselves, pray, seek to please me, and repudiate their sinful practices, then I will respond from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, I was drawn to 2 Chronicles 6 and 7.   It was a reminder, encouragement, and warning.   We are familiar with 2 Chronicles 7:14, but do we also consider the context and setting that gave rise to it?

The Temple had been completed.   In 2 Chronicles 5:14, in their first expression of worship, the glory came, and it was so powerful that the priests could not stand and minister.

In 2 Chronicles 6, Solomon prayed a prayer of remembrance to God, himself, and the people of God’s Covenant promises.   In 2 Chronicles 7:1, after Solomon’s prayer, the fire of God fell and consumed the sacrifice.  In verse 2, the presence of God was so powerful that the priests could not enter the house.   Sincerity, commitment, and worship produced the fertile ground for the presence.   

Then God came to Solomon a second time in a dream.  He informed Solomon that He had heard the prayer, seen the heart, and given the promise of 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Tragically, we stop quoting there and fail to see beyond the desired healing and forgiveness.   In verses 19, 20, and 21, we find the warning against turning away from or ignoring God’s ways.   They would be scattered and uprooted, and the temple would be in ruins.

Tragically, many want God’s blessings but fail to heed God’s requirements of obedience and surrender.  This applies to nations and individuals.  Scattered and uprooted could speak of a lack of stability and success.  It could be dissatisfaction and putting money in bags with holes.  It could be turmoil in every facet of life.

We incur God’s disfavor if we ignore or turn from complete surrender following self and selfishness.    If we humble ourselves, pray in repentance, and seek God wholeheartedly, rejecting evil and wickedness, God promises to hear, forgive, and heal.

Our world wants God’s favor without following God’s ways.  Our world wants to enjoy God’s blessings without total surrender.  Our world wants God’s guidance and protection while pursuing selfish purposes.  Our world wants to have God’s best without giving Him our best.

2 Chronicles 7:14 must be viewed in the context of chapters 5, 6, and 7.  Whole-hearted surrender, worship, and prayer provide the fertile ground for God’s favor and presence.  In His presence, there is peace, power, and provision.  Let’s seek Him and give Him our all.  He will then give us His all and meet all our needs.

Father, we ask that you help us to see the need, take the steps necessary to align our hearts with Yours, and Trust You completely!