Happy is the Nation
Psalm 33:12
Happy is the nation whose God is the LORD – the people He has chosen to be His own possession!
Some translations interchange the word, happy, for blessed. Indeed, blessed and happy are those whom God chooses for His own. Our country could not have come into existence without the providential hand of God working on its behalf, and God has certainly blessed us through the years. Sadly, I fear we have become a nation who has chosen to seek happiness and blessings aside from God. As a nation, we have rejected God to pursue the evil desires of our own hearts. Sooner or later, such evil desires will overtake those who pursue them. True happiness can only be found in godly counsel. If we shut Him out, we forfeit any real happiness for the sake of delusion.
God’s chosen nation, however, is not the good old USA. God’s chosen nation is Israel. Those who follow Christ are spiritual Israel. As Christians, we should not confuse being patriotic with being Christian. God has certainly blessed our nation and has protected us, provided for us, and progressed us beyond measure, but being an American does not make you a Christian. He blessed this nation because so many of its citizens have been Christ followers who have served Him. To turn from God is to turn from His blessing, as well. Perhaps, this is why our entire world is in such economic chaos at this point. As Christians and a part of spiritual Israel, we are still His chosen. We must continue to follow Him, regardless of how unpopular or wrong the world may see us. Happy and blessed are the people whose God is the LORD – those He has chosen as His own. We must remember that true happiness cannot be found apart from Him.
As you celebrate this Independence Day, remember the One who died to set you free from sin. Pay allegiance to Him. We still live in the greatest country on earth, but it is no match for the greatness of the kingdom of God. Recognize your eternal citizenship, and honor the coming King. Happy and blessed are those who follow Him because they belong to Him!
Have a blessed day!