January 6 devotional

by
Rev. Shelley Hamilton
Associate Pastor for Congregational Care, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

Scripture 
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. 2 Chronicles 7:14

A Word of Hope
Friday, January 6, 2012 – a new week, a new year, a new beginning – or – so we hope and pray. Advent through Epiphany is the time of the year when I concentrate most on personal introspection and evaluation of my life, work and ministry for the past year. I like our verse for today – though it wasn't a promise addressed to Americans or any other specific group of the future – however – there are still powerful lessons to be learned. This verse contains part of God's response to Solomon's prayer concerning provisions for the people when they deny and sin against God and the covenant they made with God.

"If my people, which are called by my name,…" Observe closely the two fundamental principles being espoused here – first, Israel has been named and called by God. Second, it's essential for the people to acknowledge, accept, and submit to God's guidance and authority. "and pray and seek my face. …" This part is really interesting…..not only are they to pray – they must accept nothing less than being able to enter fully into God's presence. It isn't enough for us to simply pray. We must with faithfulness seek to be fully in God's presence – we must – see God face to face. I believe this is necessary because it is only in the full presence of God that we begin to understand how - just being in the presence of unconditional, non-judgmental and accepting love calls forth transformation.

Essentially, God responded to Solomon's prayer by suggesting four different criteria for forgiveness and continued relationship. I think those four criteria provide the substance to guide our journey through this next year and assist us in determining our success as disciples in the year just gone. God said the people must humble themselves by accepting responsibility for our missteps shall we say. Then we are to pray asking - God and anyone else who may be relevant – for forgiveness. Next we must seek God everyday consistently and then we must change our behavior.

I am mindful every year when I take my introspective journey that I tend to fall far short of the "glory of God". What God and other folks who love me remind me – God doesn't need or desire our promises and resolutions to try harder this year. God wants our lives and behavior to reflect our love and devotion to him/her. What I hope for myself this year – and all the others out there who - like me seem to regularly fall short – is that I continue to try and humble myself, accept responsibility for the messes I create, ask for forgiveness and seek the face of God. I find the more deeply in love with God I fall the more I want to be like Jesus. If we truly love God we will fervently seek to do God's will. Let it be so this day and everyday of this extraordinary new year.

Prayer 
Amazing and merciful God guide our footsteps today and fill our hearts with humility, gratitude and wonder. Amen!