How Much Is God Blessing America?

We continually hear people say, “God bless America.” The tune is sung at July 4th celebrations. Even though there are millions of God-honoring people in the nation, the culture as a whole has turned its back on God. His grace, on one hand, is being demonstrated in individual lives, but on the other hand, many Christians believe that God’s gavel of judgment has already been lowered.  Many segments of the society are living like there is no God at all. With over 50 million abortions, complacency in many churches, moral degeneration, and a president who has turned his back on Israel, to what point should God still be expected to bless this nation? God’s grace is greater than one’s sin, but there is a limit to it.

There have been warnings and opportunities to repent. An often-quoted verse is II Chronicles 7:14. “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” When two airliners struck the Twin Towers in New York City, the nation turned its face toward God-for a short time. It then went back to doing its own thing. Many people believe that God’s judgment was initiated on 9/11, but America did not heed the warning. Some think that God removed the hedge of protection. Since then we have seen a dramatic increase in evil, moral collapse, and the threat of ISIS.

Romans 1:18-2:5 shows a progression of God’s grace and judgment. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (1:18). “And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind” (1:28). It goes on to list 21 negative characteristics of today’s culture. Chapter 2:4-5 asks a very probing question: “Do you think lightly of the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.”

In the midst of all of this we still see a segment of society that is remaining true to God’s truth without compromise. There are people, like Franklin Graham, who are boldly proclaiming the message of salvation and the love of Christ.  The Holy Spirit lives in the hearts of countless Christians who are beacons of light and love all across the nation. When God looks down from heaven he still sees many people whose hearts are following his ways.

Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…” The question is: To what extent is God the Lord of America? The answer determines the degree of God’s blessing. How about you? How is your life being a reason for God’s blessing of this nation? Are you one of those beacons of light?