God’s Love of a Country

Patriotism embodies the stories of many throughout our history. It is the story of a young watchmaker who came to America from Northern Ireland with strong hands and a willingness to work hard and wait years to become a citizen of his new country. It is the story of a teenage girl who had never spoken an English word, waving goodbye to her parents who she would never see again, as she boarded a dirty ship to sail to the shores of America. It is every mother and father who raised strong sons who would serve their country in times of conflict.  It is those service men and women over two centuries of time who have fought to preserve our country. Patriotism has been called the noblest passion, leading men and women to become worthy citizens. It is a true love of one’s country.

Just as a man or woman is compelled by love of country to protect and preserve even when the cost is the greatest, God is compelled by His love for us to promise blessing to the nation that has made Him their God:

Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the nation whose God is the Lord,
The people whom He has chosen as His own inheritance. Psalm 33:12

Love of country is important to God. We are stewards of the blessings entrusted to us. And God loves all the people that a country holds within its borders. We often believe that it is best to stay clear of political matters, leaving them to the politicians. But the arena of politics holds many issues of morality, of right and wrong, issues that can lead us towards ruin or safety as a nation.

What citizen wouldn’t go to the polls to vote for prosperity and favor? God tells us how we can have these blessings in Psalm 33; when we exalt Him in our country once again.