We live in a nation that is kind to religion in many, many ways.
But there is more to the story than a few good men during the foundational years of our nation, or a Supreme Court that supports the First Amendment, or a president who goes to church.
“I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live … He is the Maker of heaven and earth … he remains faithful forever” (Psalm 146:2,6).
More foundational than the First Amendment is our faithful God who holds governments in his hand like children hold a king of spades or queen of hearts in their hand while playing cards.
God is allowing you and me to live in this land at this time, and has guided the course of American history to protect religious freedom.
So when you think there is a right or wrong president for our country, and when you fret and fear that America is losing our Christian values, remember and rejoice that God remains on his throne.
He rules over presidents. He rules over all branches of our government. And he will always be faithful to his promises.
For now, that means the exercise of Christianity is protected by our laws. So practice it! God is faithful. Praise him for it!
Can you recite the Pledge of Allegiance right now?
“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God …” Stop! Even our own patriotic pledge points us to the one who is over us all.
“The Lord reigns forever … Praise the Lord” (Psalm 146:10).
So thank God for his rule over government, and for religious freedom. Read more in Psalm 146.
PRAYER: Thank you, God, for the freedoms of religion we enjoy in the United States of America. May we never take them for granted, always practice them fervently, and seek to preserve them by participating in government and its processes. Let your mission advance through the freedoms you give us. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY: Political rhetoric becomes overpowering. It comes at us from many different directions. Sometimes the discussions are balanced and informative. Sometimes they are mean-spirited and inaccurate, and can incite fear or anger. How can we find hope even when overwhelmed with the thought, “Politics is driving me crazy!”? Check out this series of sermons I preached at CrossLife Church for hope, encouragement and inspiration as we consider God’s role in our politics—and our role, too!