America - July 4th Devotion

O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength,[b] silencing your enemies and all who oppose you. When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?[c] Yet you made them only a little lower than God[d] and crowned them[e] with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority— 7 the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents. O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! (Psalm 8)

Forbes magazine once listed 100 great things about America. A few that stood out for me were: The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and the Bill of Rights, Baseball, Food in New Orleans, Rock and roll, iPod, iPhone, iPad, and everything Apple, Barbecue, Broadway, Mark Twain, The Super Bowl, Monopoly, M&M’s, Facebook, Thanksgiving, Pickup trucks, The Simpsons, Frisbees, Harley Davidson, March Madness, and I would add with a smile, anything Taylor Swift.

July 4 is Independence Day, a time for celebration and for reflection. We celebrate who we are as Americans, and we reflect on the values that define us and the sacrifices made on our behalf. Those examples and sacrifices were evident when I visited South Korea. We were showered with kindness from the very beginning. I learned that Americans have a unique relationship with Korea. Two stops on our tour illustrate why. 

First was a trip to Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery. 145 graves belong to foreign missionaries and their families who dedicated their lives to God through service in Korea. Many gave up promising careers to live in a land unknown to westerners at the time. Korea was a hostile place for Christians. Missionaries could not start a church or even preach in public. Penalties were severe. Yet despite the persecution and danger, the missionaries profoundly influenced Korean society, not only by establishing hospitals and schools but by affecting its intangible values, thus contributing to the abolition of the class hierarchy in old Korea. Some of those who came to Korea to spread the Gospel also shared in the sufferings and hardships. 

The second visit was to Odusan Unification Observatory on the DMZ, the dividing line between North and South. This dividing line and the controversy surrounding the splitting of the country led to the Korean war. The United States played a pivotal role. Over 128,000 Americans were either killed or wounded. Thousands more Americans continue guarding the border, the DMZ. Between the observatory and North Korea is a short stretch of water. As you look through binoculars, you can’t help but notice the stark difference between the two countries. Across the water, there are no high-rise buildings or traffic jams, just an eerie quietness. Relations with North Korea are described as fluid or, more accurately, full of ups and downs. This tension which at any moment could erupt into war is key to understanding the role of faith and prayer in the lives of many South Koreans. Today, Seoul looks and feels much like any other sophisticated city. 

The pastor of our host church said, “We will always be grateful for the sacrifices made by American missionaries and, later, American soldiers. We would not be the country we are today without the support of the United States.” As we celebrate Independence Day, I can’t help but think of the influence we continue to have on the world around us. I pray that influence will always include our trust and faith in God.

Prayer Challenge: Today, read Psalm 8 and be thankful for our many blessings.!” This was advice I desperately needed to hear. What about you? Are you suffering from a chronic case of the bad-day blues? “Consider it pure joy, my friends, when you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” (James 1:2-3) Here are some action steps with suggested Scripture:

Realize how much God loves you. (John 3:16) Remember the cleansing power of forgiveness. (Romans 10:9-11) A daily habit of prayer is a powerful weapon to beat the bad day blues. (1 Th. 5:16-22) Look for opportunities to put your faith in action. (James 2:14-17) Maintain active contact with other Christians for support. (Hebrews 10:24-25) Look behind you and celebrate the progress made so far. (Philippians 4:4-9)

These action steps may not stop your boss from complaining or your kids from whining. They may not help you clean the house or fix your schedule, but they will give you renewed strength and a feeling of peace about your relationship with God. Remember to look behind you, keep improving and celebrate your victories. And when the pastor asks you to teach a class, say with heartfelt enthusiasm, “Of course I will!”

Prayer Challenge: Lord, help me look behind and enjoy the progress I’ve made.