Humble Yourselves

If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

KATIE LISTENED RAPTLY to the speaker at the prayer breakfast as she spoke on this verse, calling the attendees to prayer and commitment to having an impact on the culture. On the way home, she kept thinking about it. While the call to prayer was important, it occurred to her that other things the verse said were also powerful.

She thought about humbling herself and told the Lord, “Show me all the ways in which I’m proud.” The verse spoke of seeking God’s face, and she prayed, “Help me to have a closer relationship with you, Lord.” And last, she determined to repent of any evil in her life. For the first time, she decided to work hard on being a better employee, refusing to gossip, and seeking opportunities to speak up for God.

Not much happened at first. But gradually she began to see things happen around her. She did become a more humble person by learning to be a listener, and a doer when action was required. Her fellowship with God took off as she committed more and more to seeking him daily. And when her coworkers noted that she refused to gossip in the lunchroom, they asked her what had happened. When she explained, they wanted to know more.

While many quote this verse as referring to our whole nation, change always starts with one person—the whole of one’s inner life and actions. God promises that if you take this route, you will be forgiven, and he will restore what you have lost in walking apart from him.