Every 4th of July is special, but on the 250th birthday of our country, we knew this was no ordinary birthday.
“Let’s turn to the other channel,” I said as the time approached 10 PM. “It’s almost time.” Weather was not to deter the event. The crowd would return, and the show would go on. The elderly heroes of days gone by stayed up long past their bedtime to fulfill the duty and honor given them on this special day.
Talented military personnel showed up and showed off singing a variety of well-known songs. We were caught off-guard by the selection and the impressive artists. This was clearly not your usual event for entertainers and the audience.
We knew it was getting close. Lee Greenwood walked across the huge stage, which had been beautifully decorated. And there it was, that beautiful song we have loved for so many years. That song that has come to mean even more these later years. In a manner true to his style, Lee flawlessly delivered, “God Bless the USA.” Many American chests filled with pride, appreciation, love, and respect for old glory, America, and all who sacrificed so much so that she could keep waving over us.
It was a treat for the senses and a tug on the heart. It was late evening on the 4th of July. My husband and I were sitting on the couch watching our town’s fireworks out of the living room window
while simultaneously watching the President’s address to the citizens of our beautiful nation. It was a speech filled with pride and reminders of all the good things about America. American patriots and their escorts came forward one by one and saluted many historic flags, all bearing the stars and stripes in one fashion or another.
Patriotic clothing was prominent throughout the crowd. “USA, USA, USA” could be heard intermittently. The President’s speech was followed by a memorable televised display of fireworks in Washington, DC, the likes of which had never been seen. What a birthday bash!
The Bible gives us plenty of inspiration for times like this. It tells us we were called to be free! It also gently reminds us that with our precious freedom comes responsibility. We shouldn’t take it
for granted. We are to serve one another.
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. Gal 5:13
Living in our great nation also comes with the responsibility to give thanks and pray for those in authority and all people.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Tim 2:1-2
We look at fractures in our land. It is not perfect. There is division. When our country needs healing, we pray. We know that God hears our prayers.
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
We hear it every day. We see it on the news. At times we grieve for yesterday. We are living in challenging times. When times feel overwhelming, reach out for strength. Reach out for God’s righteous right hand. That powerful arm of God will bring us and our country through the challenges. Of this, you can be sure.
God bless the USA. God bless America’s people, and may God preserve the freedom he wants for America’s people. Two hundred and fifty years. That’s no ordinary birthday.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10