What a wonderful day we have to celebrate – Happy Birthday America!
There is no country on earth like this country we live in. It was founded on the hopes and dreams of a few. They had a desire to break free from tyranny and they were willing to give up their lives, if necessary, to see that dream of a new nation of freedom come true.
A blending of national origins, sects and ideals came together to see that this nation was birthed. Blood was shed and prayers were offered.
Today, we don’t celebrate her perfection but we celebrate her determination and resilience.
“Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord. Happy are the people He has chosen for His own.” Psalm 33:12 NLV
Some would like to argue that this country wasn’t founded on godly principles but they are woven all throughout her documents, fiery speeches and correspondence. Even her songs give glory to God.
Did you know the “Star-Spangled Banner” has four verses? Let me share with you the fourth:
“Oh, thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust”:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”
That line “Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation” says it all. Many feared America would be able to maintain her independence and survive as a nation when the British attacked our shores again in 1812. The fighting was fierce!
“The anthem’s history began the morning of September 14, 1814, when an attorney and amateur poet named Francis Scott Key watched U.S. soldiers—who were under bombardment from British naval forces during the War of 1812—raise a large American flag over Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland…On September 13, U.S. soldiers at Baltimore’s Fort McHenry withstood some 25 hours of British bombardment. Early the next morning, they hoisted a gigantic U.S. flag over the fort, marking a crucial victory and a turning point in what would be considered a second war of American independence.” excerpts taken from History.com.
Inspired by that tattered flag Francis Scott Key penned the words to what would later be accepted as our National Anthem.
“When justice rules a nation, everyone is glad; when injustice rules, everyone groans.” Proverbs 29:2 CEV
May we all take time to pray for our nation today. We are fractured and need the Lord’s healing. May we be a nation where justice rules!
“Father God, we pray for our nation and its leaders. May Your grace impact the hearts all our citizens. May our cause be just and our trust be in You in Jesus name, Amen.”