Before We Celebrate a Nation, Let Us Give Thanks to God

This week marks the Semiquincentennial of American Independence, or in other words, it has been 250 years since July 4, 1776.

Across the nation, there will be celebrations, fireworks, family gatherings, patriotic songs, and expressions of gratitude. For many Americans, this anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the blessings we have enjoyed and the freedoms we often take for granted.

As Christians, however, our gratitude must not stop at the horizontal level. We may rightly appreciate the blessings that surround us, but we must ultimately trace every good gift back to its true source. Every blessing should lead our eyes upward. Before we celebrate a nation, we should give thanks to God.

Psalm 107 helps us in moments like these.

Psalm 107 provides a fitting perspective for such a moment. The psalm begins with a simple but profound declaration:

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” (Psalm 107:1).

Notice where the psalmist directs our attention. He does not begin with a nation, a government, a military victory, or a season of prosperity. He begins with the goodness of God and the enduring nature of His covenant-faithful love. This week, this is where our gratitude must begin as well.

There is no question that every person reading this article has benefited in some way from God’s kindness shown through the United States of America. The people of the world have benefited from the influence of the USA as well, including greater freedom, increased peace, and better economics. But not just that, the missional focus of the US has benefited the world directly. Christians living in this nation have experienced remarkable freedoms to worship, evangelize, gather, publish, teach, and proclaim the Gospel.  In fact, in many ways, the freedoms enjoyed by believers during the past two and a half centuries are unprecedented in human history.

Yet we must remember that God owes us nothing. God owes America nothing. Everything we enjoy is an expression of His kindness and mercy. Instead, Psalm 107 reminds us that God’s goodness is not limited to one people group, one nation, or one period of history. Rather, His steadfast love is displayed toward people from every walk of life and every corner of the earth.

The psalm celebrates four groups of people who found themselves in desperate situations.

First, there are wanderers lost in the wilderness (Psalm 107:4–9). They are confused, directionless, hungry, and thirsty. They have no city to dwell in and no clear path forward. Yet when they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, He delivers them and leads them by the right way.

Second, there are prisoners sitting in darkness (Psalm 107:10–16). Some are suffering because of their own rebellion and sinful choices. They have brought trouble upon themselves. Yet when they cry out to the Lord, He hears them and breaks their chains.

Third, there are fools suffering because of their own sinful decisions (Psalm 107:17–22). Their affliction is self-inflicted. Their foolishness has led them into misery. Yet even here, when they cry out to the Lord, He responds with mercy and healing.

Finally, there are sailors caught in a violent storm (Psalm 107:23–32). Unlike the fools, they have not necessarily done anything wrong. They simply find themselves overwhelmed by circumstances beyond their control. The waves rise. The storm rages. Their strength fails. Yet when they cry out to the Lord, He calms the storm and brings them safely to their desired haven.

This is key to notice: the repeated refrain of the psalm appears after each account…

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!”

That refrain is not addressed to Americans. It is not addressed to one generation. It is addressed to all people everywhere.

The psalmist wants us to recognize a pattern. People experience trouble…they cry out to God…God acts in mercy…God delivers. Therefore, people should give thanks.

This is not merely the story of ancient Israel. It is the story of humanity. More importantly, it is the story of every follower of Christ specifically. All of us have been wanderers. All of us have been prisoners of sin. All of us have acted foolishly. All of us have faced storms beyond our control. And all of us who belong to Christ can testify that God has been faithful. And, as directed by the psalmist, as the redeemed, we can truly say, “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so” (Psalm 107:2).

The second half of Psalm 107 expands our vision even further. The psalmist points to God’s providential rule over the world. Rivers become deserts. Deserts become pools of water. Nations rise and fall. The fortunes of people change. The humble are lifted up, and the proud are brought low. Here, the point is not that history is random; instead, the point is that God reigns.

Again, do not miss this important point… The wise person learns to observe the hand of God at work in the world. He looks beyond human achievement and sees divine providence. He recognizes that behind every blessing stands a sovereign and gracious God. That truth is especially important during a week like this one.

On the Semiquincentennial of American Independence

There is nothing wrong with celebrating the blessings God has allowed us to enjoy. Gratitude for freedom, opportunity, prosperity, and peace is appropriate. Yet Christians must be careful not to stop with the gifts while forgetting the Giver.

Psalm 107 calls us to look vertically before we look horizontally. It reminds us that the greatest story is not the greatness of a nation but the greatness of God. It reminds us that the most important freedom is not political freedom but redemption through Jesus Christ. It reminds us that the deepest cause for thanksgiving is not found in our circumstances but in the steadfast love of the Lord. Our God is a covenant-faithful God!

As we celebrate this week horizontally, perhaps we should take a few moments to consider our own stories and celebrate vertically.

• How has God guided you when you were wandering?
• How has He delivered you from bondage?
• How has He shown mercy when your troubles were self-inflicted?
• How has He sustained you through storms beyond your control?

Observe His work. Reflect on His faithfulness. Give thanks for His goodness.

And above all, look to Jesus Christ. Every expression of God’s covenant love ultimately points us to Him. The cross is the greatest demonstration of God’s mercy. The resurrection is the greatest declaration of His power. Through Christ, sinners are redeemed, reconciled, and given eternal hope.

So this week, celebrate if you wish. We as a family plan to do just that. Enjoy the gatherings – especially the specially-selected food and drinks. Celebrate with people. Watch the fireworks. Thank God for the blessings you have received.

But, most importantly, before you celebrate a nation, give thanks to the Lord. Why? For He is good! And His mercy endures forever!

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Here is a blog from a trip to Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia with the family from four years ago – some great pics and reflections on what we saw.  America, Happy Independence Day! In addition, here is another blog from a trip to Jefferson City, the Missouri State Capital on its bicentennial with some great thoughts and pics as well.