Our America
Recently, I found myself humming the song “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” written by Julia Ward Howe. It was published in 1862 and became an anthem for Union soldiers during the Civil War. This historic song exalts the name of God and our victory over sin through the Cross, which is the eternal and permanent defeat of Satan. It emphasizes the grace and goodness of our God. These are the principles America was founded on.
On Super Bowl Sunday, we heard the song “God Bless America,” and the words brought tears to my eyes. Irving Berlin wrote this song on the brink of World War II. He described it as “an expression of gratitude to what this country has done for its citizens, of what home really means.”
While many of us focus on the negative, discouraging things happening in America, I try to focus on what God has done and is doing. I admire the immigrants who left everything behind to come to America, became citizens, and built lives for their families while supporting America’s principles. They also brought their religions with them, and the laws of American soil allowed them to worship as they pleased.
In many countries, citizens are unable to own Bibles, while we take for granted our multiple Bibles that line our shelves. In China, an underground church reportedly owns only one Bible, and its leader tears out pages for each person to take home and read. They share verses by exchanging these pages.
We are so blessed to live in America, the land of plenty—and we are called by God to recognize that our freedom and abundance are gifts from Him. We should respond with gratitude and embrace the responsibility to steward the gift of America for His glory and not our own. Likewise, we must always remember those who lost their lives fighting for the freedom we so readily enjoy.
My question is: Do our young people truly understand the sacrifices that men and women have made to keep our country safe and free? Watching the Olympics, I was moved to see athletes singing the national anthem and placing their hands over their hearts. That’s the America I love.
The First Amendment grants us freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, and freedom of petition. Unfortunately, some groups abuse this freedom by using it to excuse violence, hatred, and rebellion against the foundations that make America great. Like sheep, they follow ungodly leaders who don’t uphold God’s commands and are subsequently led astray—just as we are warned in Scripture:
“I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.” —Psalm 119:176 ESV
Because the media thrives on division and drama, it often makes matters worse.
Christians can help by returning to their founding principles and praying the Scriptures over our nation. We can start with this:
“If My people who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” —2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV
Our forefathers fought for our freedom. Let’s remember to thank those who serve our great nation, praise God for our blessings, and pray for America to return to its roots.
God Bless America.
Let’s Pray
Lord, I am very blessed to live in a country founded upon Christian principles. “In God We Trust.” Please forgive those who have strayed and abused the Bill of Rights. If I have in any way hindered the healing of our nation, forgive me. I ask You to restore this country as You desire it to be: a beacon of hope and goodness for people around the world. We are “One nation under God.” Lord, help us turn this country from its wicked ways and remind us how wonderful America truly is.
Thank You, Lord, Amen.
