Independence Day Musings 7/4/07

God bless our native land, firm may she ever stand,
Through storm and night!
When the wild tempests rave,
Ruler of wind and wave,
Do Thou or country save,
By Thy great might.

What thoughts the 4th brings out for us. Memories of celebrations, of family picnics, of hot dogs and roasting ears and friend chicken and hamburgers and Brats and watermelon, and fellowship and visiting. Of games won or lost, and skinned knees, sunburn and weepy eyes, and sleepy children at twilight and a teary goodbye with “let’s do this again soon” and somehow that never seems to happen. And we are left with fond memories.

Other memories include the blessings we so richly enjoy in this country, and the faith God has planted in us, and the God we are free to worship and the freedoms we otherwise enjoy in the USA.

Then I see the frenzy evoked by this new iPhone, people standing in line, actually, to spend 600 dollars for a device that is a telephone, and has so many other features, many of which will never be used, that is simply astounding. .

Then I read how in this land, as in most of the world, people are planning bombs and wreaking destruction, much of this aimed at innocents, or especially in many areas Christ’s followers. Not at all strange if we remember Jesus warned us of these days when “in the world you will have tribulation, but be not dismayed, I have overcome the world.”

So it becomes us to seek His Care and protection in our prayers. O Lord, we pray, shield us and keep us in Your loving arms, keep safe from harm those who travel, and the men and women engaged in strange parts of the world, fighting to preserve what is dear to us, freedom. Give us the continued will to worship, thank, and serve Thee in our living, and bless us, we pray, In Jesus Name. Amen

So shall our prayers arise, to God above the skies,
On Him we wait.
Thou who are ever nigh, guarding with watchful eye,
To Thee aloud we cry, God save the state.

Independence Day musings

GPD 7/4/07