Independence Day: Why Should We Celebrate?

Perhaps my most favorite vacation took place in 2009 when Dad and I visited Boston, Massachusetts for several days.  As one who loved history and devoured any book describing the events shaping the birth of our country as well as the lives of those instrumental in its founding, I had always wanted to see firsthand where it all happened and walk the streets of our Founding Fathers.  The fulfillment of this desire brought no disappointment; in fact, it forever changed how I viewed my country and all those who sacrificed their very lives for the freedoms I and millions of others enjoy today.

Memories from that vacation always surface around this time of year as we celebrate Independence Day. Seeing the sites, reading significant names on grave stones, walking in the steps of important leaders I had grown to admire and respect - it all came alive in a new way through this blitz tour.  And I came away with an even deeper understanding of what this independence meant and what it entailed for those who went before me.

I possess what my family calls a fierce loyalty for anyone and anything that I love.  And this includes my country - the United States of America, the land of my birth, "the land of the free and the home of the brave."  My patriotic spirit only increased after coming home from Boston, and my excitement for this beloved holiday is always evident in the ways I try to plan home-style celebrations. 

As we approach Independence Day this week however, something is different.  The recent decisions from our leaders in Washington have saddened and burdened my spirit.  I've asked myself over and over again, "Where are we headed, and why this?  It's so far from the truth and is destroying the very foundation those before me sacrificed so much to establish.  Why celebrate the 4th?  There's nothing left to be proud of today."

As I wrestled with these matters last week, God brought to my attention this verse from Psalm 103:

The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, 
and his kingdom rules over all.

God's throne is established and His Kingdom rules.  Those words stuck in my mind, and as I pondered them, a sense of renewed hope and a spirit of victory welled up inside of me.   Even as society today praises evil and mocks what is right, even as God and His Word are thrust aside, and even as our freedoms are slowly taken away, our God reigns supreme over all, and His Kingdom is advancing in victory over the kingdoms of men.  The battle has already been won, and on that final day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  There is hope.  There is comfort. There is courage.  And there is something to celebrate!

The loyalty towards and love for my country still remains, and the gratitude for our Christian heritage is something that I will never cease to pass on to future generations.  But even as history continues and the patriots of old and their faith are forgotten, there's reason to rejoice.  No, not in the flag, or our nation's success, or the people who helped shape our rich legacy.  There's cause to rejoice in the King of kings and in His redemptive work which continues under His decree.

So as we come to the 4th in a couple of days, may all the fireworks, family gatherings, and patriotic observances develop in us a gratitude for what we've been given,  heartfelt praise for the One who rules over all, and humble prayer that this country will once more acknowledge God as Lord.