2 Chronicles 7:14 "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."
As I have thought about the times we are in, the wars, the natural disasters; I have thought about how the hearts of many respond to these things. They live as thought it is they who is in charge, it is they who make their days prosperous, healthy, and happy. The people who openly declare unbelief in God, and persecute those that love the Lord and follow Him, these people truly live with no hope, but do not recognize this, that is, at this moment.
But when disaster comes, or threats of harm to themselves, or their loved ones, then they turn to the One that deep within their hearts know is their only Hope. Can you imagine yourself treated this way? Some can as we all have had family or friends that give us no thought until there is a real emergency, or a real need that they feel only you can supply. But our Lord, His heart full of love for His children endures this day in, day out. When I think about the hurt and disappointment that our God endures. Forgive me, Lord, forgive us all.
I can remember 9/11 quite well, even remember what I was doing that day, remember the tears that streamed down my face as I watched the twin towers fall, taking innocent lives as it came down. I remember the days and months following, churches filled up again, people were showing love and concern for one another.....remember, Father.....how so many turned once again to You, asking forgiveness and mercy. Yes, I know You do.....another grievous time for You, a heart breaking time for You as well as with so many of us that love You. You, Lord, so just and true, forgiving and drawing close Your wounded children, wounded in body and spirit, seeking hope and protection, seeking guidance from Your precious Holy Spirit, You loving us all.
Then as thought it never happened, once again, these went back to their former ways. I have been reading about Noah's ark, and how Noah would witness and talk to those in sin, some confessing their sin and returning to the Lord, only to tire of the wait, choosing because it was taking so long for the flood to come, believing that perhaps Noah was mistaken, for surely the Lord was loving and He would not destroy the earth. They had only returned in fear, a fear driven godliness.....this never lasts.
Fear driven godliness.....short termed, short lived, only long enough for those to forget who had saved them and rescued them from all harm in the past, who had provide for them, and forgave them time after time. When fear comes, from whatever situation you are in, are you in that place of confidence in the Lord that you know He is there, you know He is holding you and there is nothing to fear? Or are you one that immediately casts down that pride, that self adoring attitude and turns and calls on the Lord for help? Remember always, God looks on the heart....He will always know the one who is truly repentant and the one that is only giving lip godliness. But always the Lord is forgiving to those truly repentant children. Always.
How different it is for God's children that walk and talk with Him each day. They know that when disaster comes, they can call on the Name that is above all Names, and instantly that Majestic Voice will call out across the earth "Peace be still". And the peace that passes all understanding will flood your soul. How beautiful is our Lord.
For those that have a godliness attitude that comes only when fear arises, take a moment and look at the difference that trusting the Lord daily, loving Him deeply, and honoring Him always can bring to your life. Never having to worry about what will happen, how it will change your life, will God forgive you in time...... He waits, as He always does, with open arms and a love that He has always had for you, just waiting to show you what a difference accepting His love can make to your life.
Thank You, Father. I pray these are the words You would have me speak, and I pray that they reach the ears You have intended them for. I love You, my Lord, always.
08-11-12
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