“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34) 

                Tomorrow, July 4th, we celebrate the independence of these United States of America.  As the early settlers charted the course of our nation, they had no shame concerning the things of God.  The first line in the Mayflower Compact was, “In the name of God, Amen” and when the Pilgrims’ signed it in 1620, they acknowledged God’s sovereignty and sought to glorify Him.  Our founding fathers believed the truths of the Bible and acknowledged their faith in God as they wrote the Constitution.  Many prominent universities were founded on the Word of God.  God is in our pledge and it is “in Him” whom we claim to trust on our currency.  But as a nation, is He in our hearts?  As we reflect on this day, a day of celebrating our independence, it is worth asking that if as a nation we have also sought our independence from God.        

            “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings.  Proverbs 14:34 plainly states that actions aligned with God’s standards exalt or “lift up” a nation, while sin is a disgrace.  The United States has been richly blessed.  Throughout our history, we have taken up the cause for much that is right and good.  But what are we becoming?  Has pride gotten the best of us and taken such a hold on our nation that less and less we see the need for God?  Today many deny His sovereignty.  Many of those educational institutions that were founded on the Word of God are now major influencer’s in denying Him.  It seems that our Creator whom we used to hold so close, we have now pushed away.  Consider the many instances in which we have sought to rewrite what God has spoken in His Word.  If we consider Him at all, it’s a God stripped of His holiness and righteousness.  That’s not the God of the Bible.  Yet we still seek His blessings, all the while ignoring His will.  Should we expect them?  It’s time to ask ourselves what kind of nation we want to be.  Is there any cause for hope?  I believe there is.

            No matter how things may appear, there’s hope.  Our hope lies in a Sovereign God.  Nothing ever happens outside of His control.  We hope, knowing that God is faithful to preserve His people through times such as these.  We can also hope in prayer that as a nation we would return to God and that the Holy Spirit would move as never before.  So today, as we celebrate our independence as a nation, as it concerns God, let this and every other day be a day that instead of seeking our independence from God, we reaffirm our dependence on Him.  He truly is the only one we can depend on.      

 Prayer

Father, as a nation we have strayed.  We have strayed in so many ways on so many issues.  Forgive us.  Give me a greater desire for your glory in my own life and in the life of our nation.  Help me pursue righteousness that you would be pleased to hear my prayers for our nation.  Thank you for Jesus Christ.  It is only through God the Son in which we can approach the Father.  Let our nation exalt Him above all.  Thank you for your grace and mercy.  Let us be a people who please you.  Amen!