RELY

2 Chronicles 7:12-22

Where do we turn when our world turns upside down? Where do we run when our luck runs out? Who do we believe when we don’t know what to believe?

We seldom turn to God first when we’re troubled – or when we’re sick – or when we’re suddenly in a place we never thought we’d be. God, His Word, and prayer are often last resorts instead of first priorities.
George Muller, a great man of faith who trusted God in unbelievable ways said this, “The less we read the Word of God, the less we desire to read it, and the less we pray, the less we desire to pray.” Why is that? The further we get away from God – the further the distance to come back.
Only when he hit bottom did the prodigal turn around – he turned toward home – he turned back to his father. He was so hungry he would have eaten the pods the pigs were eating. Why wait till you hit bottom? Turn around while you can. Rely on the Lord. Rest in His promises.
So...Where do we turn? What do we trust? Who do we listen to?

Intuition:
Defined as quick insight or immediate knowledge without evident rational thought. You might say, “I know what I need to do...” Someone might ask you, “How do you know?” And you might say, “I just know.” ...Call it a gut feeling. But how often have you followed a gut feeling only to find out your gut was wrong?
We can’t go on feelings – emotions alone, or intuition. As believers we must rely on the Lord – to lead us by the Holy Spirit. We can’t rely on premonitions. What do we do? Seek the Lord. And then wait. Rely on Him.

Information:
Never before in the history have we had so much information at our fingertips. We can “Google” any subject under the sun and in a matter of seconds find out everything we need to know about the flight behaviors of Canadian geese to the value of the yen. ....Through the amazing world wide web we are connected to most any information we need to know. ...Whether it’s radio, TV, computer, magazines, books, or billboards – information is everywhere.
But why would a believer seek information about a spiritual issue from a non-spiritual source? Why would a believer seek help in raising their kids from a non-Christian source? Consumer reports can help you with buying a lawnmower – but only God can help you with keeping your family together. What do we do? Seek the Lord. Then wait. Rely on Him.

Individuals:
They’re out there – telling us what we want to hear. Oprah, Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil, Ellen, Rush, and a host of others. And we’re listening and buying their books. But it’s not the wealthy and well to do that do us the most harm.
Often times we are led astray by “friends” who want us to be happy.
They mean well. They have our best interests in mind...and they know just what or who we need to make our life complete. The end result is distancing ourselves from family – distancing ourselves from God – distancing ourselves from any accountability – so we can be happy. At least for now.
As believers, we know better. But because we’re stretched and strained to the breaking point we buy into the easy fix – ignoring our convictions and wrecking our life. What do we need to do? Seek the Lord. Then wait. Rely on Him.

A Prayer to God 7:12 ...Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple.
(2 Chronicles 6:12-42) Matthew Henry says Solomon prayed, “That God would take possession of the temple, and keep possession, that he would make it his resting-place: ...That he would make the ministers of the temple public blessings: Clothe them with salvation, that is, not only save them, but make them instrumental to save others: ...That the service of the temple might turn to the joy and satisfaction of all the Lord's people.”


A Place to Worship 7:12 In that day they really believed they were standing on holy ground. We’ve lost a lot of that today. Reverence in the presence of God is almost a thing of the past. We think nothing about checking our email during worship – or balancing our checkbook... We think about a place...a pew...but seldom think of His presence. (2 Chronicles 7:1-7)

A Promise to Believe 7:14 We quote this verse often – especially during times of trouble and despair in America. Often the verse has been Americanized – Politicized – Denominationized – all for the sake of votes, income, and the guarantee of revival. ...But this verse is more personal than it is national. Countries are made up of people – people who need God. Like us.

What a great promise God gives when we do what we should in the way we should... “...then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”