In this election year it is to be expected that all kinds of theories will be brought forth to assure national prosperity and safety. But three thousand years ago God gave a formula of national blessing which we would do well to put into practice. Here it is:
“If my people, which are called by My name, shall 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.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
You will note that God places the responsibility for national success upon His own people. The God-rejecting multitudes are neither responsible for nor capable of legislating peace or prosperity. But if “my people,” God promises, will meet four conditions, “I will heal their land.”
What are the conditions? Humility, prayer, seeking God’s face and turning from sin. Americans are a proud people, but humble realization of the Divine source of our freedoms will keep us from over confidence in the bare strength of arms alone.
Where juvenile delinquency is a national disgrace and the divorce rate has hit an all time high, need we be reminded of the need for private prayer and family altars? When we spend 7 times more money for alcohol and tobacco than for all religious and charitable purposes combined, is it not time we did an about-face and sought the will of God?
The conditions of national revival and blessing are clearly given. Shall we meet them? Only thus is God bound by His immutable Word to hear from heaven, forgive our sin and heal our land.