This is a very profound question. I feel that this question (and its answer) directly applies to our generation and to our nation. Since nations are made up of cities, which are made up of families, which are made up of individuals, what I will say here applies to all of these entities.
If you read your Bible carefully, you will see that God is very concerned about individuals and the decisions that they make. Furthermore, I believe that God is also concerned about nations, cities, and families and the decisions that they make. If these entities make the right decisions, they can expect God’s blessings. If they make the wrong decisions, they can expect God’s judgment.
It seems that we live in a day similar to the days of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 8:12) and Zephaniah (Zephaniah 1:12) when the people thought that God did not see or hear anymore; or if He did hear and see, He did not care. There used to be a theory in the world years ago called deism. It taught that God created everything and then abandoned it. I assure you that historical and present-day deism was and is a lie. God sees, He hears, and He cares what goes on in this world. He also knows and cares about what goes on in this city, in your family, and in your life.
If you will turn in your Bible to Deuteronomy 28, you will find out what happens to a nation (a city, a family, an individual) that rebels against God. The nation in this instance was Israel. You will also see what happens when God is obeyed and honored. When God’s Word is so crystal clear, and yet we deliberately disobey and go our own selfish and self-centered way, there is only one result…..JUDGMENT!
The word “cursed” is used throughout this chapter. It applies to those who refuse to hear God’s voice and those who refuse to obey His commands. The word “cursed” in this passage means afflicted, tormented, or vexed. If you read this chapter carefully, you will find out that every area of life was touched when the nation of Israel refused to obey and follow God. The chapter speaks of:
diseases and plagues (v.21,22,27,35,59-61);
drought (v. 23,24);
defeat in battle (v.25, 26);
mental instability and disorders (v. 28);
lack of direction, and purpose, and a lack of prosperity -i.e. poverty (v.29);
domestic problems (v.30,53-57);
defeat and oppression at the hand of foreign invaders (v. 31-37, 48-52).
Why all of this misery? Because they refused to serve God with joy and refused to acknowledge Him for all of His goodness to them (v.15, 45-47).
Also predicted to the selfish rebels is
crop failure (v.38-42);
elevation of foreigners above nationals (v.43,44);
persistent and overwhelming fears and sorrows (v.65-67).
Basically what has happened to these people is that God has become their enemy instead of their friend (v.63,64). This only occurred when the people turned their backs on God and His Word. As a result of this rebellion, the people were physically, socially, politically, morally, psychologically, financially, and domestically ruined (v.16-20). Sounds like a fairly accurate description of another nation we all know.
There is a remedy to this sad state of affairs. It is found in II Chronicles 7:14. God help us to do what this verse says and do it soon….for the sake of our nation….for the sake of our city…for the sake of our families.
2 Chronicles 7:14 - 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.