Repentance

“Repent and turn away from your idols, and turn your faces away from all your abominations.”—Ezekiel 14:6 NASB

Tensions were high throughout the American colonies. War loomed on the horizon, and many were afraid. Conflicts had arisen between British and French forces, and violence had developed into what would become known as the French and Indian War. Samuel Davies, who was born on this day in 1723, lived among the colonists as a pastor and evangelist. In 1756 as the colonies faced serious problems, a special fast was called.

Davies reminded people that their only hope was to turn to God. He said, “National judgments are inflicted for national sins, and therefore reformation from national sins is the only hopeful way to escape them.” What was the answer? “Pray frequently; pray fervently!”

Davies had previously expressed his thoughts about the importance of humility and repentance in a hymn called “While o’er our guilty land, O Lord.” There was sin in the land, and they faced mighty problems. The answer was to call on God: “Before Thy throne of grace we fall.”

Davies knew the importance of true humility. He wrote, “See, we repent, we weep, we mourn; to our forsaken God we turn.” The country’s only hope was to turn to God: “Oh, spare our guilty country, spare the Church which Thou hast planted there.”

Today, our world urgently needs revival. Pray. Seek God. Humble yourself before Him. Ask for a revival in your life. And cry out for His mercy on your country and the world.

Reflection Question: Compose a prayer of repentance.