the·ol·o·gy noun : the study of God We study God through His Word each Thursday on the blog. Our goal is to present the truth of God in a way you can digest and apply. In honor of our nation's birthday, this week we will look at how God feels about America. God bless America, land that I love . . . America, America, God shed His grace on thee . . . 'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land! God bless the USA! Tomorrow you may gather with friends and family to eat all-American food like hot dogs and potato salad off of red, white, and blue plates. You may wave a flag at your small town parade or grab your lawn chair and head to a fireworks show. July 4th is set aside to celebrate the birth of our nation. It's one of my favorite days of the year. But this year I'm wondering how God feels about America. I dug into the Word for some answers, and here's what I found.
God is an International God
The truth is God reigns and rules over all nations.
We know God is not an American. He existed long before Columbus sailed the ocean blue or our forefathers brought forth a new nation. We may like to sing about God's favoritism toward our country, but the truth is God reigns and rules over all nations.
For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing to your name (Ps. 18:49).
All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you (Ps. 22:27).
God's In Charge
If you watch the world news, it can be tempting to think that presidents and dictators are calling the shots. Certainly, the leaders of the nations make decisions that impact many, but ultimately God is in charge of what happens in America, in China, in Brazil, in Italy, and in every nation on the globe.
God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne (Ps. 47:8).
God's Grace is For All Nations
America is a blessed nation, but God's blessings don't stop at our borders. God's grace extends to rich nations and poor nations, nations at peace and nations at war. Yes, God blesses America . . . but His blessings are poured out on people in every nation.
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations (Ps. 67:1–2).
May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him! (Ps. 72:11).
God Will Judge the Nations
The wicked shall return to Sheol, all the nations that forget God (Ps. 9:17). "I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there" (Joel 3:2).
Eventually God will judge the nations. He won't judge them based on the size of their armies or the amount of money in their national treasuries, but on their obedience to and love for Him. So as you celebrate America this weekend, would you consider praying for her? Here are five specific ways to pray. Pray for revival. That's just a churchy word for bringing back to life. Pray that God would bring churches and hearts back to life with renewed passion for Him. Pray for the lost. There are many in America who do not know Jesus as their Savior. Would you pray for them right now? If you have specific friends and family members who are lost, pray for them today. Pray for the Church to shine. Pray that the American church would be a place of healing and hope that people are drawn to. Pray for our leaders. The Bible calls us to pray for our leaders.
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our savior (1 Tim. 2:1–3).
Pray for the President. Pray for the members of Congress, and pray for the leaders of your state. Pray for repentance. Pray that America would be a nation of repenters who turn from our sin and desire to obey God's Word.