When seeking personal revival we have often zeroed in on the last part of today’s verse which tells us what we must pray to the Lord, seek the Lord, and turn from our sins. However, today I want to look differently at this verse.
2 Chronicles 7 opens with excitement. Solomon’s temple was just completed and God’s people were having their first service. Something great happens; God’s presence dwells (Shekinahs) with them. His presence is so great that the priests could not even enter the house of the Lord. God was approving the newly built temple and declaring, this house is my house!
After this, there is a feast of dedication and sacrifices are made to the Lord, but then God speaks and provides a warning and promise.
God warns in verse 13 that at times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you.” What do you do if this happens? Although God identifies Israel as: “my people” and “called by my name”, there is a choice that His people must make.
Today’s verse begins with the word, “if”. To me, this is the most important word in the verse. “If” designates a surrender of the will. God is saying, “If you will, I will!” The question before us is, “Will we humble ourselves?”
It is a fact that we will never experience personal revival until we say Yes Lord, I humble myself; I am available for you to dwell in my house. It is said:
