This past week, the lyrics of Pat Barrett’s song “My Father’s Business”, along with 2 Chronicles 7:14, have stayed with me. The song begins with a prayer of repentance: “God, forgive us for the times we called it praise, but it was show business.” That line challenges my heart because it reminds me that we can use God’s name, sing the right songs, and do the right things while our hearts drift from Him. I believe God is calling us back to our one true desire: God first in our lives. He is calling us to be people who are about our Father’s business.
That calling can be difficult amid the demands of life. Work, family, responsibilities, relationships, finances, and countless distractions can slowly push God to the edges. We may become busy doing things for God while losing sight of simply being with Him. This is why 2 Chronicles 7:14 speaks so clearly: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways…” God invites us to return through humility, prayer, seeking His presence, and repentance.
So perhaps we should ask: “Where is my heart? Have life’s pressures replaced my pursuit of God? Has my worship become more about what I do than whom I worship? Is there anything He is asking me to surrender?” The answer is not to try harder, but to return to Him: humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from whatever pulls us away. As we invite the Holy Spirit to lead us back to Jesus, He purifies our hearts and renews our desire for holiness and genuine repentance.
Then comes the promise: “Then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” What encouragement this gives us. When God’s people turn back to Him, He hears, forgives, and brings healing. May our worship be truly for Him, our hearts centered on Him, and our lives devoted to our Father’s business—led by the Holy Spirit, surrendered to Jesus, and seeking God first in everything.
Blessings,
Kersten Feth