“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.” – Psalm 33:12
As Americans, the Fourth of July reminds us of the cost and beauty of freedom. Fireworks light up the sky, flags wave proudly, and the words of our national hymns echo across the land: “My country, ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty.” But in the midst of the celebration, Psalm 33:12 offers a sobering and vital reminder: the truest blessing of any nation comes not from military strength or economic prosperity, but from its relationship with God.
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." This verse calls us beyond patriotism and into devotion. While the original context refers to Israel as God’s chosen people, the principle stands today: any nation is blessed when it submits to God’s rule. A land may be free politically and yet still be in bondage spiritually. The blessings of liberty—wonderful as they are—mean little if a people use their freedom to drift from the Lord.
“My country, ’tis of thee...” the old hymn begins, but how easy it is to sing the lyrics without living their meaning. The final verse ends with a prayer:
“Our fathers’ God, to Thee, Author of liberty, to Thee we sing;
Long may our land be bright with freedom’s holy light;
Protect us by Thy might, great God our King!”
That verse recognizes that liberty itself comes from God—and so do its protections. If we want our land to stay "bright with freedom’s holy light," then we must first return to the light of God’s truth.
This week, as we thank God for our country, let us also pray for its heart. Let us ask not only for protection, but for repentance. And may we lead the way by making sure that in our homes, in our churches, and in our own lives—God truly is the Lord.
