Happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans, and a good day to ALL my readers. It’s sunny here in Grand Island – very summer and very Fourth of July. Wherever YOU savor home, I hope it’s a beautiful day.
Mitch and I will celebrate the Fourth with a spicy meal – Sol De Mexico is always a good choice. If the rain holds off tomorrow, we will watch the fireworks over Lake Eustis from the heart of downtown.
Your celebration might look different than ours. Maybe a backyard barbecue or beach outing. Whatever the plan, let’s pause before the festivities to reflect on today and why we celebrate.
And let’s pray for America, too.
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Why Pray for America?
The Pledge of Allegiance unites us as “one nation, under God.” Our currency declares the national motto: “In God we trust.” “So help me God” is in the President’s inaugural oath. Supreme Court sessions open with “God save the United States.”
More than 300 faith groups exist in America. So, these phrases can mean different things to different people. But most Americans – 90 percent, in fact – believe in a higher power. They want to encounter the God who rules the land.
2 Chronicles 7:14 says: “[If] my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
To be clear, God spoke those words to King Solomon as a promise to Israel. But ALL scripture is God-inspired – and useful for teaching, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). So, it’s fitting for American Christians to obey the spirit of the text.
Now, here’s a little background on Independence Day.
Happy Birthday, America
Independence Day is America’s birthday celebration. It commemorates the Declaration of Independence, which established our sovereignty from England.
The Declaration is one of America’s most important documents. Together with the Constitution, it forms the framework for our government. Not a democracy, but a constitutional republic with a separation of powers.
This month marks the 243rd anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It’s a holiday all Americans can celebrate. A “great anniversary festival.” A tradition passed down and enjoyed through the generations.
The Great Anniversary Festival
The ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence birthed a nation. On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted for independence from England. Two days later, they signed an official declaration, and July 4 became the day we now commemorate.
Joseph Ellis is the author of American Creation. where he wrote about the Declaration of Independence. He called it “some of the most potent and consequential words in American history.” Here is one famous example:
Thomas Jefferson was one of 56 delegates to the Second Continental Congress. He helped draft the Declaration of Independence and also signed the document.
John Adams was another document signer. He wrote about it in a letter to his wife. It will be “the most memorable epoch in the history of America,” he wrote. “I am apt to believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival.
“It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever.”
And so it is.
Wrapping It Up
Americans celebrate the Fourth of July in many ways. Picnics, parades, concerts, fireworks, beach parties. We also pray for our nation and remember His marvelous works (Psalm 105:5).
Let’s celebrate today with pomp and patriotism. Let’s thank God for our Founding Fathers and American heroes. May He give each of us a brave heart and bold voice when it’s OUR turn to defend our ideals. ◻️
Related Posts
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- What is Freedom? 16 Bible Verses for Independence Day
Now It’s Your Turn
Thank you for reading my post. Now it’s YOUR turn to chime in. How do you and your family celebrate Independence Day? Do you pray for America? What does this day mean to you?
Let’s fill the comments with friendly conversation. Scroll down to leave a reply, ask a question, or just say hello. And if you liked this post, please give it a share.
Blessings, Annette
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Photo Sources
- John Trumball, Jean Leon Gerome Ferris | Wikimedia Commons | Public Domain
- DNY59 / Getty Images Signature | Canva | License
Greetings from central Florida! July 4 is upon us, and the countdown to fireworks has begun. To my fellow Americans, and ALL my readers, have a safe and joyous Independence Day!