Godly Patriotism

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.”       —Psalm 20:7

How will we spend our Independence Day celebration (4^th of July)? I might grill out with my kids or go fishing or swimming. I could catch an Altoona Curve game and fireworks display. If it rains, there is always watching old World War 2 movies. What would someone from another planet or country conclude about us by the way we celebrate our nation? Where would they think we put our trust? Do we worship bar-b-que grills, baseball, or water sports? They might conclude we trust in military might as we watch war movies and shoot off fireworks displays.

I am certain no one would conclude that we trust the One and only true God of heaven who created the universe. At the ball games, we have added, God Bless America to go along with the National Anthem and Take Me Out to the Ball Game, but I doubt that describes the faith of most baseball fans.

True patriotism of former generations included praying for nation, our President, and elected officials. True, godly patriotism includes times of thanksgiving for the freedoms and blessings God has bestowed upon America. As we sing God Bless America at baseball games, we should probably kneel and offer prayers with thanksgiving because God has truly blessed America.

The Psalmist describes the false hope of kings and kingdoms (that would be nations today) who trust in their military might instead of God. “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God” (20:7). Chariots and horses were the superior military weapons of the day. Today it would be stealth bombs, drones, and patriot missiles. Psalm 33 goes on to describe how the latest weaponry alone can not deliver. “No king is saved by the multitude of an army … A horse is a vain hope for safety; Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength. Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him” (16-18a).

In the face of so many challenges in the world today, can our military keep us safe? Although we have the mightiest military in the world, I believe the best patriot is one who waves a flag and gets down on his/her knees and remembers the name of the Lord God. Godly patriots established holidays like Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, and the National Day of Prayer. I believe these and other national holidays like Veteran’s Day, Labor Day, Independence Day and so on, were intended to include prayer and thanksgiving.

Where are you putting your trust, today? Take notice how you celebrate your holidays. You might also review how you spend your money and time. We can easily say, “We love this country;” but do we pray for our leaders? Do we wave a flag then kneel to pray or do we wave a flag and criticize our elected officials? Do we wave the flag and turn our backs on the God who blessed America as the land of the free and home of the brave?

On this Independence Day, I urge you to pause, pray, and give thanks. America has lots of flaws and lots of work to be done, but we truly have been blessed by God to the nth degree. Let us remember the name of the Lord our God. Let’s be godly patriots.