Today is American Independence Day again. We celebrate this day each year in remembrance of the Declaration of Independence – the document dated July 4th, 1776. So long after the event, it is not uncommon for participants to contemplate what this time means to us today, and why it is important to remember. In so doing, I recall God’s promises throughout Scripture about the blessings of obedience to His Way; the curses for disobedience; and the restoration for returning to Him (Deuteronomy 28:1-30:10).
God tells us He will leave evil in this world so His people may be tested to see if we will follow His Way (Judges 2:20-23). Through these experiences, each generation comes to know suffering, hardship, and war. Each generation is tested to see if it will turn to the Lord, or from Him. Thus, each generation of Americans has been tested in its own way. From the Americans who fought against the British and their proxies in Canada and the Native tribes. To the Americans who fought against the Muslim slavers of the Ottoman Empire’s client states, and the Confederate slavers of the anti-Constitutionalist South. To the Americans who fought against a unified Germany, and against the communist schemes of the Russians and Chinese. To the Americans who still fight against socialist subversives at home and abroad to this day, we are all tested in one way or another.
To me, this day is a reminder that the walk with the Lord is a way of constant struggle. When one evil power is vanquished, another rises to take its place. Thus, each generation must be prepared for when the day comes to answer God’s call. For we never know what tomorrow will bring, and victory belongs to the vigilant. This poem orates my thoughts on this day, and what it beckons me to remember.
All fall short of God's glory
And thus all deserve to pay
To suffer eternally
Never knowing one good day
To sin against God on high
An eternal crime for sure
All of us deserve to die
There is not one who is pure
Yet God is full of mercy
His temper is slow to rise
And His grace grants clemency
A hope that brightens our eyes
By His side we are renewed
Lifted up and made to fight
All as He would have us do
To stand as beacons of light
Then God's wrath is turned from us
After we have turned to Him
No more are we treasonous
No more shall we be so grim
His wrath now holds our foes still
Cutting them down with the sword
We are agents of His will
The instruments of our Lord
The path to Him is fearsome Not traveled by the weary At times it can be lonesome But leads to times most cheery
Happy American Independence Day to all. A blessed day to those who live in America and share in its defense, and to our friends abroad who stand by our side and in the shade of our shield. May we all stand strong together against the enemies of the Lord, whenever and wherever they come. For standing alone, we may be overcome one by hand, divided and conquered by the Adversary. Yet standing together, united as one, we shall weather any test God gives us (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.
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