Today we glibly call it Independence Day, but we often
forget its daunting origin. July 4, 1776, was in reality a brave step of faith
in a surprising journey that stunned the world. Representatives from the
thirteen colonies signed their names to a document declaring their national independence
from Great Britain. The colonists had only a small trained army and a meager
navy. Yet by signing their names, they essentially declared war against the
mightiest and most experienced army and navy in the world. Great Britain
laughed at these foolish colonists, but not for long.
An independent nation
Against all odds, at great hardship and sacrifice, the colonies
united and defeated the British. With that victory came the right, as Abraham
Lincoln put it, to form a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to
the proposition that all people are created equal. This new nation was to be a
republic, and Europe laughed.
Everyone knew that for a nation to be successful, it needed
a singular ruler such as a king. Historically, democracies were short lived. Europe
ridiculed this plan by calling it, “The Great Experiment.” Their laughter did
not last long. This brave new nation, this United States of America, contrary
to its critics, grew in power and influence until it stood as a military and
economic super power, the envy of the world. Again, this was accomplished with
great hardship and sacrifice, but the result was worth the effort.
Dependent on God
How did this “David,” these colonists, overcome the derision
and challenges of the “Goliaths?” Part of the answer is that they knew if they
were to achieve their dream that they could not do it alone. They needed help. They
needed God. This new nation understood that to survive and prosper it needed to
be in dependence upon the Lord. To overcome the odds, the country needed to be,
as it would later be called, “One Nation Under God.”
The architects of the new republic made certain to
acknowledge who their source of blessing would be. God is mentioned in the
Declaration of Independence, in the U.S. Constitution, as well as in the
constitutions of all 50 states. When they declared their independence, they
also declared their dependence upon God.
July 4 is a great reminder to us. It should remind each of
us that, like our nation, we need to heed God’s clear clarion call to follow
Him. We know, though, that we will fail if we trust only in our own strength. In
Psalm 20:7 David proclaims: “Some trust in chariots and some in
horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. (ESV)” The prophet Isaiah
reminds us that those who rely on Lord will renew their strength and rise up
like eagles do (40:31).
Whatever major issues we may be
facing, whatever ridicule we receive for our faith, whatever the Goliath that
tries to frighten us, we can count on the Lord to get us through those times
and to establish a victory. We cannot do it alone. Like our founding fathers, we
need to face our issues firmly hand in hand with God as we claim the high
ground and cede it to no one.
This Independence Day let us enjoy our
families, our cookouts and our patriotic parades. Let us remember the great
sacrifices that were made to earn us our liberty that we so enjoy. Let us pray
for the military whose members continue to protect those liberties. And let us
make time to offer a prayer of thanks to God Almighty for His abundant
blessings, recognizing that we can keep our independence only as long as we are
in dependence upon Him.
