A WORD FOR TODAY, July 3, 2026

[Peggy Hoppes]

We pray you are blessed by this daily devotion.

Blessings. Peg

www.awordfortoday.org

A WORD FOR TODAY, July 3, 2026

“Blessed is the nation whose God is Yahweh, the people whom he has chosen for his own inheritance. Yahweh looks from heaven. He sees all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, he who fashions all of their hearts; and he considers all of their works. There is no king saved by the multitude of an army. A mighty man is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a vain thing for safety, neither does he deliver any by his great power.” Psalm 33:12-17, WEB

A riddle for this Friday, July 3rd: “Does every nation have a Fourth of July?” The riddle is one of those questions we use to fool our friends because we know they will not answer correctly due to our world view. We make assumptions, and with this question, we assume that “Fourth of July” refers to our Independence day. We go through a phase when we are kids using these simple and subtle riddles for a laugh. Riddles are fun, but they can be frustrating. At first, we see the answer so clearly, as in this one. “No, the Fourth of July is a uniquely American holiday,” we say, but then we realize our mistake when the questioner says, “Gotcha” and remember that most of the world uses the same calendar, so of course they have a Fourth of July. We are reminded that we are confused by our biases.

This is both a special and a confusing Fourth of July for us this year. The United States has existed as a nation for two-hundred and fifty years. We will celebrate the work of our founding fathers, the brave men who signed a declaration establishing this land. The Constitution of the United states is a rare document, even a miracle, as most constitutions last a few decades and our has been a firm foundation for two-hundred and fifty years. There will be gatherings all around America. Families will host barbeques and swimming parties; towns will throw block parties and carnivals. In the evening, citizens will gather in stadiums and at lakes to watch large firework presentations. It is an exciting day for everyone to share in the spirit of patriotism and community. On the Fourth of July it seems like there’s nothing better than being an American.

We also struggle, because we know that the United States is not perfect. We have had difficult times; we are a divided nation. We can’t seem to work together to make things right, mostly because we disagree about what is right. Even this very special celebration has been the source of disagreement.  We argue about everything; there is too much hate. Many people are afraid for the future, frustrated about the government and the economy. There are too many issues, and everyone has an opinion. Our nation has been considered a great nation, a superpower, a nation with strength, courage and abundant blessings. Unfortunately, it is easy for us to take our blessedness for granted.

Despite our division and troubles, there is something special about the United States. Watch any of the videos of visitors who are here for the World Cup, and you’ll see that there are so many blessings we take for granted. I’ve seen several posts from people who have been told over and over again how horrible we are, but have seen the abundance, not only of “stuff” but of love and compassion and generosity. They’ve tasted the goodness of the U.S.A. in restaurants and in the hospitality that we’ve offered to our visitors.

They are experiencing our welcome and seeing the beauty of our land which reaches from sea to sea. We have mountains and fields, lakes and forests, country roads and city skyscrapers, more than can be experienced in such a short period of time. The American landscape is inspiring, and many writers have put their love of this land into song, poetry, and prose. I understand the feeling because I have witnessed the beauty of God’s creation all over the country.

Katherine Lee Bates was in Colorado Springs to teach a brief summer course, and she was deeply inspired by many things during her trip, including the beauty at the top of Pike’s Peak. It was there that a poem came to her, bringing together her memories of the alabaster buildings at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago and the wheat fields of Kansas. Her poem eventually became a favorite patriotic hymn called “America the Beautiful” which was set to music by Samuel A. Ward. The poem and tune came together and was first published in 1910, although it was first used in 1904. Sadly, Samuel Ward died before he could see that his inspired tune became such a beloved part of American culture and patriotism.

America is certainly beautiful. Of course, in many ways the issues dividing us also make us seem horrific, ugly, sad, and disgusting. But that’s the reality of life in this world. America is made up of so many beautiful places, but it is also made up of human beings, all of which are all too human. We are sinners in need of a Savior. Katherine Lee Bates understood this reality, and, in her poem, she appealed to God for His healing grace upon our nation. Despite our failures, we also have a heart for good. We respond immediately to disasters with our bodies and resources. We fight for justice. We stand for truth. We pray for our neighbors. We, or at least a large number of us, believe that we are blessed by God to be a blessing not only to one another but to the world. There might be some bad, but there is also a lot of good, and for that reason I know that America really is beautiful.

Independence Day is a good time for us to revive Katherine’s appeal to God for His healing grace for our nation. There is still so much good we can do. God blesses the people who look to Him, who trust in His provision, protection, and salvation. Despite our troubles, we are founded on the promises of God for all people. Jesus Christ did not die on the cross for one specific nation, but so that all men might be saved from sin and death in His name. We are blessed to be a blessing, and with those blessings come responsibilities. In the midst of our revelry this weekend, let us share our gifts with the world, and take time to thank God and glorify Him as we serve others, looking to Him who is the true source of hope and peace.

 

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