Words to ponder

April 10, 2006

By Lawrence Strong

All through the Bible we read of times when God’s children were in trouble. They faced situations where there seemed to be no way out. One of the most compelling references is found in 2 Chronicles 6.

King Solomon was praying at the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem. He interceded for the people of Israel, recognizing that they were prone to forget the Lord and thus could suffer divine judgment.

In 2 Chronicles 7:14, the Lord answered Solomon: “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” (KJV).

If Solomon’s prayer worked then, why shouldn’t believers’ prayers work today? God is still God. He has not changed. The only change comes in people’s lives.

In some churches, people can become wrapped up in programming and entertainment rather than wholehearted worship of our Lord. Christians were rightly concerned when the United States Supreme Court prohibited regular prayer in public schools, but how concerned are believers about maintaining prayer in their homes? Or in their churches?

Let’s bring church back to what it was intended to be. Let’s focus our hearts on our God. We will stand stronger in times of trouble.

Lawrence Strong lives in Phoenix, Ariz.