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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chron. 7:14
The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. Hab. 2:14
Heavenly Father, as we fellowship with you this morning and ponder your promises, conflicting emotions fill our hearts. Restless-hopefulness is one of them. Because you have promised to fill the earth with your glory one Day, we have deep hope. Your entire creation, and your every-nation family, are destined for consummate healing and an eternity of perfect everything. Hallelujah, and thank you.
But our restlessness is real and warranted. We feel the restlessness of “How long, Oh Lord?”—when will you send Jesus back with the fullness of your Kingdom? We also feel the restlessness of vulnerability. We Americans have a sitting president, and one “waiting-in-the wings.” We pray for both—we earnestly pray for both, no matter how we voted.
Father, as with all your promises, only Jesus can fulfill 2 Chron. 7:14. He has taken the judgment for our “wicked ways”; and in him, we have full forgiveness and perfect righteousness. This is our peace.
BUT, humbling ourselves, praying, seeking you, and repentance are Gospel-realities to which you now call us. Father, may we fear you, more than we are afraid of the disruption and changes in front of us.
By your Holy Spirit, help us crave a revival in our world, nation, and hearts; more than we treasure a status-quo life of personal peace and affluence. Drive out our fears by the perfect love of Jesus; and by that same love, may we serve our neighbors. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ great and grace-full name.
