Today we glibly call it Independence Day, but we often forget its daunting origin. July 4, 1776, was in reality a brave step of faith in a surprising journey that stunned the world. Representatives from the thirteen colonies signed their names to a document declaring their national independence from Great Britain. The colonists had only a small trained army and a meager navy. Yet by signing their names, they essentially declared war against the mightiest and most experienced army and navy in the world. Great Britain laughed at these foolish colonists, but not for long.

An independent nation

Against all odds, at great hardship and sacrifice, the colonies united and defeated the British. With that victory came the right, as Abraham Lincoln put it, to form a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all people are created equal. This new nation was to be a republic, and Europe laughed.

Everyone knew that for a nation to be successful, it needed a singular ruler such as a king. Historically, democracies were short lived. Europe ridiculed this plan by calling it, “The Great Experiment.” Their laughter did not last long. This brave new nation, this United States of America, contrary to its critics, grew in power and influence until it stood as a military and economic super power, the envy of the world. Again, this was accomplished with great hardship and sacrifice, but the result was worth the effort.

Dependent on God

How did this “David,” these colonists, overcome the derision and challenges of the “Goliaths?” Part of the answer is that they knew if they were to achieve their dream that they could not do it alone. They needed help. They needed God. This new nation understood that to survive and prosper it needed to be in dependence upon the Lord. To overcome the odds, the country needed to be, as it would later be called, “One Nation Under God.”

The architects of the new republic made certain to acknowledge who their source of blessing would be. God is mentioned in the Declaration of Independence, in the U.S. Constitution, as well as in the constitutions of all 50 states. When they declared their independence, they also declared their dependence upon God.

July 4 is a great reminder to us. It should remind each of us that, like our nation, we need to heed God’s clear clarion call to follow Him. We know, though, that we will fail if we trust only in our own strength. In Psalm 20:7 David proclaims: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. (ESV)” The prophet Isaiah reminds us that those who rely on Lord will renew their strength and rise up like eagles do (40:31).

Whatever major issues we may be facing, whatever ridicule we receive for our faith, whatever the Goliath that tries to frighten us, we can count on the Lord to get us through those times and to establish a victory. We cannot do it alone. Like our founding fathers, we need to face our issues firmly hand in hand with God as we claim the high ground and cede it to no one.

This Independence Day let us enjoy our families, our cookouts and our patriotic parades. Let us remember the great sacrifices that were made to earn us our liberty that we so enjoy. Let us pray for the military whose members continue to protect those liberties. And let us make time to offer a prayer of thanks to God Almighty for His abundant blessings, recognizing that we can keep our independence only as long as we are in dependence upon Him.