The Healing of a Land

God had promised Abraham that he would make him into a great nation.  Through the obedience of his offspring ( Isaac , Jacob, Joseph and others) it had come to pass.  Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, and later, his predecessor, Joshua would lead them to possess the Promised Land and to establish them as a great nation.  A nation with whom the presence of God dwelt.

As God made covenants with His people, over and over He reminded them that if they would follow His laws and obey His Word; His blessings would rest on them richly as a people.  But if they, instead, chose to wander away from Him, follow other nations and gods- rebelling against God’s laws, He would allow them to be overtaken by other nations.  The blessing of God on the children of Israel was found in enjoying His protection and rest from oppressors.

The United State of America, a country founded on a desire to worship God, has the same type of covenant relationship with the Lord.  If we honor Him, keep His decrees, and obey His Word, He will keep us safe from our enemies and protect our land.  If we choose to follow after other gods and forsake Him, He has no requirement to protect and keep us.  Just as He did Israel, the people whom He chose for His name’s sake.

Today we celebrate Independence Day- freedom from England- freedom to be an independent, self-governing nation.  We have a rich heritage indeed of godly men and women who worked hard to protect our freedom to worship God. A heritage of brave men and women who fought off our enemies that we might stand united and free.  Today is a day to celebrate our freedom, our rights, and our blessings as a nation.  In so doing, we remember those who valiantly fought to give us that right- paying the great price that we may enjoy freedom.

Additionally,  we must never forget that ultimately God establishes a nation and God brings it low.  Any success we enjoy is because His hand has provided it.  Focusing on military strength has merit, but our greatest strength comes from resting in the hands of the Almighty, covenant-keeping God who blesses those who follow Him for generations to come!  But He also reserves the right to allow chastening to come to His rebellious children.

Today, before we kick off our celebrations, will you join me in a time of remembering our spiritual heritage as a nation and praying for its protection?

Thank you, Lord, for the freedom and blessings we enjoy in America.  Thank you for those who laid down their lives.  We do realize that freedom is not free.  We stand not only in the shed blood of our military who has guarded our nation, but especially in the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrifice for our sins.  We recognize, Oh Lord,  that every good and perfect gift comes down from you our Father.  We receive it with joy and meekness. 

Forgive us for transgressing against Your law and turning aside to follow after idols of self-promotion, pride, arrogance, fleshly lusts and rebellion.  Help us to humble ourselves once again and remember that it is only in You that we stand in freedom and covenant blessings.  We repent of bloodguilt and rebellion and we ask that you heal our land.  Heal political, racial and moral divides.  Bring us the blessing of a healed and whole nation.  Hear us, Oh God, we pray!

^“ if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  2 Chron. 7:14

© Sherri Evans Ministries 2018. All rights reserved. Used by permission.