Freedom’s sweet flavor blows within the breeze. Yet one hardly notices its power until the distinctive taste is suddenly gone.

Despite our many malefactions, idiosyncrasies, and divisive political concerns, I’m still overwhelmed with thankfulness to God for the many freedoms we enjoy as citizens of the United States of America.

Independence isn’t cheap. Freedom is never free, as the well-worn song goes. Yet taking these gifts for granted is all-too-easy for us Americans.

My Prayer Today

I pray for wisdom to be a wise, hard-working, law-abiding, and loving citizen.

God gives clear guidance for us: “Remind them [Christ-followers] to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.” (Titus 3:1-2; see also: Romans 13:1-3, 5-7; 1 Timothy 2:2; 1 Peter 2:12-13, 17). 

I pray for our governmental leaders to work humbly, thoughtfully, and courageously for the cause of good and the protection of innocent. 

Our instructions are relevant across time: “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” (1 Timothy 2:1-3; see also: Romans 13:3-4; 1 Peter 2:14).

I pray that all those placed in authority over us will receive the knowledge of the truth which comes through salvation in Christ Jesus. 

God’s heart is evident: “…I urge that entreaties and prayers…be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all…” (1 Timothy 2:2-6a).

Most of all, I pray that God will bring an awakening of the Gospel from sea to shining sea, so that millions from my generation will know and experience the truth that sets people free. 

Freedom is calling from the lips of Jesus: “…and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free . . . so if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:32, 36; see also: Galatians 5:1).

Ultimate Freedom

Our Founding Fathers sought and fought for freedom from the oppression of Great Britain. Our nation’s leaders and myriad soldiers have – throughout the years – sacrificed so that peace could be preserved and our freedoms protected. So we celebrate our independence today on this, the Fourth of July. All-the-while, we must recognize that these freedoms we presently enjoy are only temporary. Leaders come and go. Nations rise and fall. 

Yet Jesus the Christ fought the fight we could not fight and won the battle we could not win by climbing a hill called Calvary so that we could receive ultimate freedom from the tyranny of sin and death. So today and everyday, we celebrate Him. And together with all God’s people from every language, tribe, and nation, we look forward with bold anticipation to the consummation of His coming eternal kingdom, which will cover the remade earth with His bright glory.