God Bless America
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As we watched the terrible scenes unfold through the media into our homes, we were appalled and angered at the attack on America. The destruction and carnage at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the horrific plight of those airliners hijacked by terrorists was almost beyond belief. America is a diverse country, but a united country. In a time of crisis we have always come together as one. A reflection of the unity was displayed as congress and the leaders of America gathered on the steps of the US Capital building to address the nation concerning this terrible attack on our country. At the conclusion of their meeting they began to sing an impromptu rendition of “God Bless America”. It seemed to express our solidarity, our resolve, our love for our country, and prayer for God’s blessing and protection. |
America’s unofficial anthem was composed by an immigrant who left his home in Siberia for America when he was only five years old. Irving Berlin wrote “God Bless America” during the summer of 1918 in Yaphank, Long Island. The song was laid aside at the time.
In the fall of 1938, as war was again threatening Europe, Berlin thought he should write a “peace” song. Recalling his “God Bless America” from several years earlier, he made some changes to reflect the different state of the world. Singer Kate Smith introduced the revised “God Bless America” during her radio broadcast on Armistice Day, 1938. The song was an immediate hit. Berlin soon established the God Bless America Fund, which dedicated the royalties to the Boy and Girl Scouts of America.
In this time of national crisis, most Americans realize that we desperately need the blessing of God. The leaders of our country set aside Friday, September 14, 2001 as a National Day of Prayer. President Bush has called on Americans to pray. We have been blessed by God and for this we pray. “God Bless America again!” We must affirm that we must have the blessings of God if we are to survive and combat international terrorism. We confess that everything we have comes from above. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom He hath chosen for his own inheritance” (Psalm 33:12).
There is something unique about the founding of America. Roger Babson, many years ago, said, "South America was founded by men who were seeking gold. North America was founded by men who were seeking God." When our Pilgrim Fathers came to Plymouth Rock, they fell on their knees, thanking God for their new country. During the trying times and difficulties of the continental congress, Benjamin Franklin, called upon the congress to get on their knees, pray, and ask God’s blessing. May our governmental leaders and America once again fall to their knees in repentance and seek God’s blessing. (See II Chronicles 7:14.)
Psalm 46:1, 2, 7 says, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and mountains crumble into the sea. The Lord Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress” (TLT). President Bush, in his address to the nation, quoted from Psalm 23:4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.”
America faces many enemies. Assassins of liberty, alcohol, drugs, abortion of innocent babies, atheism, apostasy, an amoral society, and many other enemies fight against America. But I believe that perhaps the greatest enemy to our freedom is APATHY. Spiritual and national apathy has opened the gates to the enemy. A man taking a poll said to a man on the street, “Sir, did you know that the two greatest problems in America are ignorance and apathy?” The man responded, “I didn’t know and I don’t care!”
The future and hope of America is God. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12).
May Irving Berlin’s song “God Bless America” be our prayer.
“God bless America
Land that I love
Stand beside her and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above
From the mountains, prairies
To the oceans white with foam
God bless America
My home sweet home.”
The greatest thing you can do for yourself and America today is to give your life to the Lord Jesus Christ. None of us have a guarantee of tomorrow. As a doctor at the World Trade Center cried, “Life is so short!” If you have never trusted Jesus Christ as your person Savior, why not do so today? (See Romans 10:9, 10.)
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
by: Cliff Sanders