Turn to Him...

Turn Your Eyes

There have been many years in my life when I read the Bible because that is what I felt I must do. I didn't understand much of what I read, but I didn't have my priorities in order and didn't become immersed in the Word. We discussed in our Women's Bible Study the need to be consumed and all-encompassing in our walk with the Lord. I would say for the last several years I have been on fire to learn about His word, know Him, have a discerning heart, and walk in His will.

I love to listen to my Bible app and read along. Nightly, I have a routine in which I go to bed, turn on the Bible app, and read along. I am currently reading in Chronicles. David had a heart to build a dwelling place for the Lord; however, the Lord wanted David's son to build the temple. David prepared for Solomon's work on the temple, but it was Solomon who followed God's plan and built a majestic temple. The Lord's presence filled the temple in 2 Chronicles 7:1.

In 2 Chronicles 6:14-42 is a prayer that Solomon prays to the Lord at the dedication of the temple. As I read this prayer, I was struck by how the prayer mirrors our lives. Solomon asks God to remember His people when they sin, as they will, to be with the people and have mercy on them. (I'm paraphrasing, but read the verses. They are humbling!) I see us, as a human race, in these verses. I see myself in this prayer. In verse 36, Solomon says, "When they sin against you, for there is no one who does not sin." You see, I know I will sin, it is inevitable. I know I will be defeated by my enemies because of my sin. I know that God will have consequences for me because of my sin. But, and I say, But God...He will have mercy on me.

Solomon tells God that the people will "pray toward this place and give praise to your name and turn from their sin because you have afflicted them". He goes on to pray to God that He will "hear from Heaven and forgive the sin of your servant". Just as Solomon prays for God's mercy and forgiveness, we pray for our forgiveness when we sin. I pray for my forgiveness when I sin.

Over the last few years, many have prayed for the world to come back to God. Last night I read 2 Chronicles 7:11-22. In this scripture, the Lord appears to Solomon. He answers specifically Solomon's prayer when he blessed the temple. He tells Solomon these words, "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." Just as God answered Solomon's earnest prayer, He answered our prayer. He hears us, He acknowledges our plea for forgiveness, and He heals us. What a humbling thing to know that we serve a God that cares enough to hear every prayer, every plea from our Heart, and forgive.