As we approach the Fourth of July, I cannot help but think of where we as a country have received the blessings that we have. Actually, not from where, but from Whom.
The “whys and wherefores” are an ongoing debate for some but one thing that is irrefutable is the singular prominence of faith and dependence upon God and His Word with which the majority of the Founding Fathers based virtually everything they did, not only in their personal lives but also inveterately within their framing of this new nation. As but one quote of many, John Adams would say, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the governance of any other.”
Similarly, but also on a more personal note for me, I have to admit that I am humbled especially by the devotion of George Washington. The following is a short excerpt from his personal field journal from 1752, in which he wrote out his daily morning and evening prayers.
“TUESDAY MORNING...O Lord our God, most mighty and merciful Father, I, thine unworthy creature and servant, do once more approach Thy presence. Though not worthy to appear before Thee, because of my natural corruptions, and the many sins and transgressions which I have committed against Thy Divine Majesty; yet I beseech Thee, for the sake of Him in Whom Thou are well pleased, the Lord Jesus Christ, to admit me to render Thee deserved thanks and praises for Thy manifold mercies extended toward me... Bless the people of this land, be a Father to the fatherless, a Comforter to the comfortless, a Deliverer to the captives, and a Physician to the sick. Let Thy blessing be upon our friends, kindred, and family. Be our Guide this day and forever through Jesus Christ in Whose blessed form of prayer I conclude my weak petitions - Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name....”
There is so much more that could be said here and I will leave it to the reader to reflect as they will. Speaking for myself, I think that this very personal insight of his character and faith goes a long way to acknowledge in part the source of the blessings we have inherited at the cost of so many and, most importantly, in deference to Whom they lived and died for in the years since...and ultimately Christ Jesus’ sacrifice for all mankind. The question is: what are we doing with it now?
God Himself gives us a good starting point: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14
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