One Nation Under God
Daily Old Testament Reading: Psalm 33, 36, 39
Daily Focus Passage: Psalm 33
In the Pledge of Allegiance, we state the words, “One Nation Under God.” These words mark the nation's dedication to the Lord and a commitment to see the Lord’s guidance. Yet, when we evaluate the world around us, even our country, we find that people's actions differ from the commands of the Lord. In Psalm 33, David notes the differences between a nation living in a state of rejecting the Lord and a nation living under God. As we understand the differences, may we pray for our nation.
A NATION REJECTING THE LORD
David spoke of the nations that rejected a lifestyle that followed the Lord. These nations lived according to their desires and ethics instead of following the Lord's Word, will, and way. As a result, these nations faced constant frustrations because of the Lord. The Lord frustrates the ways and wisdom of humanity because it does not align with the ways and wisdom of the Lord. When a nation seeks to live according to the world's opinions, it will experience constant frustration because they lack trust in and following the Lord.
The ways of the Lord differ from the ways of humanity. The works carried out by the flesh rebel against the ways of the Lord. The ways and works of humanity often flow from the fleshly desire for instant gratification and personal rights. When a nation falls prey to this approach in life, it becomes rejected by the Lord because of its rebellious nature.
David noted that the power and strength of the nations could not stand against the Lord. No matter the prosperity or might of a nation, the nation pales in comparison to the Lord. The Lord conquers every nation, and no nation can stand before the Lord. When a nation pridefully rests on its might, the Lord remains stronger and will conquer their pride.
When a nation rejects the Lord, it becomes preoccupied with pursuing power and instant gratification. It seeks to find joy in the things and thoughts of this world. As a result, the nations never find peace or joy because the joy they experience is fleeting. Thus, a nation rejecting the Lord can never find lasting peace or happiness.
A NATION LIVING UNDER GOD
David marks the character of a nation that lives under the Lord as a nation with a proper fear of the Lord. An appropriate fear of the Lord does not consist of trembling in concern for one’s life before the Lord, but instead, this fear means that a nation lives in reverence and awe of the Lord. The nation recognizes and honors the glory and holiness of the Lord. Thus, a nation living under the Lord respects the Lord and lives in reverence and awe of the Lord.
A nation living under God trusts the Lord as its strength and shield. This statement indicates that the nation under God does not rely on its military strength or financial prosperity. Instead, a nation under God rests in the strength of the Lord to navigate the various dynamics faced. The nation trusts the Lord to be the shield that provides the needed protection.
A nation under God does not attempt to forge its path. Instead, this nation seeks the guidance of the Lord for the way ahead. Like the children of Israel, the nation under God seeks the cloud by day and the fire by night to journey toward the will of the Lord. At the same time, a nation under God lives worthily seeking the Lord by living out the ways of the Lord. This statement means that the nation allows the Lord to define the parameters of morals and ethics and how the nation lives.
A nation under God does not find hope in the achievements of humanity; instead, this nation finds hope in the Lord alone. The hope found in the Lord carries a certainty that hope of this world lacks. A nation under God does not attempt to build hope for the future but leans into the Lord for hope and trusts his leading.
So are we a nation living under God? Are we a people that seek to follow the Lord’s leading, obey his Word, and seek to fulfill his will? As we consider the differences in the two approaches, may we pray for revival, renewal, and recommitment to the Lord and being a nation and a people living under God.
