When I was a child, I celebrated the Fourth of July like everyone else—setting off firecrackers, picnicking, and attending the local fireworks display with my family. The Fourth of July represented only a day for fun. I didn’t know there were others around the world who couldn’t play as I did.
But now, as an adult, having seen what war can do to countries and what oppression can do to peoples, I appreciate my freedom. I know we live in a country we take for granted and bask in basic rights that others ruled by lesser leaders only dream about. Our soldiers have put themselves in harm’s way that we might continue to live as we do.
America, though, may be in trouble. Our lives have been turned inside out with the threat of a pandemic hovering over us. Others have erupted in violence. None of us are at ease and the tension is fraying the fibers of our souls. Our safety, our freedom, and the security in which we have always lived may be threatened.
We’ve drifted from our foundations, like a boat that has lost its tether. God’s principles have been silenced in the roar of misguided outrage. Those who do not see our independence as a gift to be treasured are trying to destroy what we have. They don’t realize that the lifestyle they live came at the expense of personal sacrifice. Centuries of unselfish giving make up the whole of who we are. Our history defines us. Our faith in God has guided us.Losing God’s blessing is not something we want to see for this country that we love. But we certainly appear to be headed down that path.
In II Chronicles 7:14 God says, “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, forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Before it is too late, we should heed those words.
May God bless America. Have a faith-filled July 4.