God bless our native land; Firm may she ever stand Through storm and night. When the wild tempests rave, Ruler of wind and wave, Do Thou our country save By Thy great might. (Lutheran Service Book 965:1)

Our native land is much on our minds this election year. Campaign commercials have already begun flooding the airwaves. Candidates are promising social and economic programs they say will make our country stronger, safer and more prosperous. Perhaps even more than laying out their platform, they are attacking their opponents. Each side seeking to make you believe that the other guy is a path to certain destruction!

But the true health of our country will not be found in the campaign promises of any politician—Republican or Democrat. Instead, this comes from our reliance upon God and the salvation offered us through Jesus Christ. After explaining how the military might of armies and horses cannot save, the Psalmist says, “Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.” (Psalm 33:20-22)

Thankfully, we live in a country where we are granted a fundamental liberty to publicly confess this faith in God. In the middle of the patriotic songs, fireworks displays, and Fourth of July cookouts, and throughout this campaign season, be sure to exercise your religious freedom and pray. Ask God’s blessings upon our native land, its leaders and its citizens.

“May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you” (Psalm 33:22 NIV). So shall our prayers arise To God above the skies; On Him we wait. Thou who art ever nigh, Guarding with watchful eye, To Thee aloud we cry: God save the state! (Lutheran Service Book 965:2)

God’s Blessings,

Pastor Nyck Greig