American flags were on display across the nation for Independence Day. But the flags we so proudly displayed nearly didn’t come to be. The American flag originally got a new star and stripe every time a state entered the Union. By 1794 we had 15 stars and stripes—it was a flag with 15 stripes that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the “Star Spangled Banner.” By 1817 the flag had 20 stars and strips; the Flag Act of 1818 finally decided that the flag would have only 13 stripes, to honor the original 13 colonies.
Other patriotic elements also have interesting stories. The official vote declaring our independence from Great Britain actually occurred on July 2, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence. How would they notify King George? Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence was revised and finally approved on July 4, after we had declared our independence two days earlier.
Benjamin Franklin wanted our national emblem to be a turkey, because it was domestic, useful, and tasty. He considered the eagle to be a “bird of bad moral character,” because it is a scavenger that steals from other birds. Fortunately, he was outvoted by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the other members of the committee to name the national symbol.
Fireworks began the very next year, on July 4, 1777. They were John Adams’ idea, who wrote shortly after the Declaration was signed that the day “ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.” However, it is important to note that he also thought the day “ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.”
As we reflect on our nation’s independence, let’s explore Adams’ combination of celebration and commemoration, fireworks and faith. We have sung “God Bless America” often this week. How can God answer our prayer? How can he bless America? Psalm 33:12 is the answer: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” What does this statement mean? How can it apply to us? How can we be a nation God can bless?
Recognize God as our Maker (Psalm 33:1-12)
The psalmist wants us to “sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous” (v. 1). Note the tense: this is a command to all who are “righteous,” all who are the people of God made right with him by his grace. It is a present-tense command, requiring us to worship him continually, not just on Sunday; privately, not just publicly.
Why should we give him such praise? The text calls us to praise God for his word: “The word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does” (v. 4). He keeps all his promises, always.
Praise him for his love: “The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love” (v. 5). Even though he “loves” righteousness and justice, he loves us as well. Our love is failing, but his is unfailing. Ours is conditional, but his is unconditional.
Praise him for his creative power: “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth” (v. 6). All that we can see was made by the One we cannot see.
Praise him for his providential purpose: “The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples” (v. 10). If a nation exists, it does so by his permissive or perfect will—the God of the universe either allowed it or birthed it. That’s why the psalmist could say that “the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations” (v. 11).
As a result, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance” (v. 12). When a nation affirms and submits to God’s word, love, power and providence, that nation makes him their Lord. And that nation is positioned to receive all he intends to give. That nation is a people God can bless.
Was this Psalm true of America at her founding? Did we recognize God as our Maker and Lord? There are many ways to explore that question, but one is to look to the inscriptions found in our national capitol. They are the most permanent and public statements of our national creeds and beliefs. What do we find there?
The Washington Monument displays on the east face of its capstone the engraving, Laus Deo, “Praise Be To God.” A Bible was placed in its cornerstone as well. The Capitol Building has inscribed over the Senate east entrance the words, Annuit Coeptis, “God has favored our undertakings.” The Great Seal of the United States displays these words as well.
In the House chamber is inscribed the words, “In God We Trust.” These words are also written over the southern entrance of the Senate chamber and on our money. All Supreme Court sessions begin with the Courts Marshal’s announcement: “God save the United States and this honorable court.” Twelve different images of Moses and the Ten Commandments appear throughout the Court. And the Liberty Bell displays an inscription from