It Still Stands

Bible Reading: Psalm 33:12-20

Drums beat, flags waved, and trumpets blew! Sara’s and Milo’s eyes darted here and there, trying to capture all the excitement at the Fourth of July parade. The school band proudly marched down the street in new uniforms. As they played “The Star Spangled Banner,” the crowd stood at attention and sang along.

“In school, our class learned that Francis Scott Key wrote the words to our national anthem during the War of 1812,” Milo said as the family drove home after the parade. “While British ships were firing at Fort McHenry all through the night, he watched from a ship offshore. He knew that if Fort McHenry fell, Baltimore and other important cities would probably be captured too. The guns finally stopped, and at dawn what do you think he saw?”

“Uh, I don’t know,” said Sara. “What was it?”

“The American flag,” Milo replied. “The story goes that when he saw it, Francis Scott Key shouted, ‘The flag still stands!’ Right after that, he wrote the song.”

“The flag still stands!” Sara repeated. “Will the flag always stand, Dad?”

Milo answered her. “Sure, it will! Our country is strong!”

“The Bible teaches that nations do not rise or fall because of their own strength,” Dad reminded them. “It says safety comes from the Lord. God has been very good to our country and has blessed us in so many ways. But just like every nation in this broken world, America is full of sin and problems. We need to pray that both our leaders and our fellow citizens will put their trust in Jesus. Only He can save us from sin, and one day He’ll return to rule the whole world!”

“That’s right!” said Mom. “Nations rise and fall, but Jesus reigns forever. The only way we can truly have peace is by trusting in Him. Then we’ll be part of His nation—citizens of His kingdom who will spend eternity with Him.” She stopped the car at a crosswalk to let a group of kids on decorated bikes go by and looked in the rearview mirror. “Let’s pray that people in our country—and in every nation of the world—will turn to Jesus and trust Him as their Savior.” -Jan L. Hansen

How About You?

Do you pray for your country? No matter which country you live in, your nation needs prayer. This world is full of sin, and only Jesus can bring salvation and hope. Pray that the leaders of your nation will turn to Him and seek His guidance in making decisions. Pray that the people in your country will trust Him and follow His leading in their lives. Pray that God’s children of every tribe and nation will shine His light so the whole world can see it.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Pray for your country