Only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes. I do not trust in my bow: I do not count on my sword to save me. You are the one who gives us victory over our enemies; you disgrace those who hate us. O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name.
The 4th of July is a favorite holiday around here. There were seasons in my life where I could wear something red, white, or blue for the whole month along with the jewelry to match. The house was dressed in a variety of decorations, fit for the holiday. But much of that folderol was given away in the move to the apartment.
We spent a year in hibernation due to COVID and now are reemerging from that cocoon with relief. The goal was to be able to gather with friends to celebrate our freedom once again. We followed the rules, wore masks, and obeyed social distancing guidelines. We trusted doctors and scientists because we wanted to be safe from this horrible disease.
Safety is not something we can count on. We watch in horror as an apartment building collapses on itself, burying dozens of people in the rubble. Television scrolls are rife with murder and mayhem all over in the cities of America. CRT and SBC acronyms fill the digital headlines with negative stories.
I don’t know about you but I would love to have that old-fashioned barbeque, replete with tables of food, fellowship, family, and friends. And, of course, followed by fireworks.
So many times we think we are in control. Today our world is both smaller and less safe and it appears we can no longer expect life to be “normal.” The rules are slowly being lifted but will we ever really feel free?
I have read, with interest, about the nations of Judah and Israel who discovered that regardless of the number of men, horses, chariots, spears or swords, it was impossible to defeat all of their enemies. They thought they had the best tactics and minds to put together a great offense but they failed. As the Psalmist writes, the kings and generals finally understood—God gave the victory.
Change will come when we replace arrogance with humility. It’s time for us to humbly bow before our Maker and acknowledge His hand in the life of our Nation.