"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."

Humility is not the most valued or most sought-after trait in our culture. But we need humility, not so much because it's a command (though that would be enough), but because we've "earned" it. Every year, there are many moral, character, and spiritual failures that are truly disheartening. Even on our best days, none of us is as holy as God. We're not getting better as a culture; instead, we're getting worse. We have "earned" the right to be humble before God. So let's be humble and call on the Lord, giving up our sin and seeking Him.

Even though this passage is often used to talk about problems in nations and governments, let's not forget that the best way to apply it is in our own lives and in our churches. We can start a revival in our country if we pray every day, fast once a week, and long for God to come into our world and change it.

God told Solomon that the Temple would be a place where His people could pray and know that God would hear them if they did so in an honest and humble way. This promise is still true today, even though God's physical Temple isn't standing. However, His spiritual Temple is found when His people come together (1 Corinthians 3:16; Matthew 18:20). What a wonderful gift and a powerful blessing for us today! We know that God will hear us when we get together with other Christians, bow down before Him, and ask to be in His presence. Instead of waiting for a big, worldwide effort to start, why not meet regularly with other people who will pray with us?

Humility is not the most valued or most sought-after trait in our culture. But we need humility, not so much because it's a command (though that would be enough), but because we've "earned" it. Every year, there are many moral, character, and spiritual failures that are truly disheartening. Even on our best days, none of us is as holy as God. We're not getting better as a culture; instead, we're getting worse. We have "earned" the right to be humble before God. So let's be humble and call on the Lord, giving up our sin and seeking Him.