Psalm 22:27-28
“You are our God, all dominion belongs to You and You rule over the nations.”
One of our nation’s most popular songs, an unofficial and more informal national anthem, is “God Bless America,” composed by Irving Berlin. Written in the form of a prayer, it was introduced to Americans in 1939, as the storm clouds of World War II were forming over Europe. The words are stirring and patriotic:
“While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that’s free.
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer:
God bless America, land that I love.
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with the light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam.
God bless America
My home sweet home.”
As a Jewish American, Berlin had a unique perspective on what was happening in Europe when he wrote those words. He was probably thinking about those desperately seeking freedom from hatred, oppression, persecution, or even certain death for their political convictions or faith. And so he wrote a hymn of gratitude and prayer that affirmed his loyalty and devotion to America.
But paying tribute to the song’s origins and occasionally singing it is not enough to beseech God to bless our country. With deep divisions, hateful words, violence, chaos, and calamity spreading across our nation, we approach another Presidential election with this question—is God still blessing America? Do we expect God to bless our nation simply because we have “In God We Trust” on our money or keep “Under God” in our Pledge of Allegiance? Do we presume upon God’s blessings because we are basically good, we defend freedom around the world, and give more than any other nation in the way of financial aid to countries in need?
Why should God bless America?
We know much is seriously and deeply wrong with our beloved land. But there is also so much that is right with America. How can we be sure that God will bless us? What can we do?
The first step is for the church of God and for us as individuals to acknowledge our need for a Holy God. That’s where it begins. We need the blessing of the Lord Himself. We need Jesus. And so let us begin by praying:
O Holy God, as we prepare our hearts for what You are going to do for these weeks leading up to the election, we acknowledge first that we need You, Lord. We ask for revival to take place in our hearts so that we may once again fully understand Your character and attributes. Help us to obey your command to love You with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We acknowledge that we can do nothing apart from You—rather, we dare do nothing apart from You! As our scripture for today states, “You are our God, all dominion belongs to You and You rule over the nations.” We commit our nation to You today, in a renewed hope for Divine blessing to fall on us once again. By the power of Your Son’s name, in Jesus, we pray, Amen.
~ painting by Sam Timm
