Friday. Fourth of July. This date couldn’t fall on a better day. Because, you know, Friday. The weekend. Stuff. Duh.
Rejoice! Be glad! We are a nation of freedoms (an increasingly debatable point). We are a nation of prosperity (also debatable, depending on one’s definition of that slippery term). We are a nation of rugged individualism that celebrates the self-made and the successful (indeed).
I do love a good BBQ, parade, and fireworks display – and also waving those little stiffly starched flags.
But so much more than that do I love freedom. Freedom. Freedom from brokenness. Freedom from hopelessness. Freedom from darkness. Freedom from self-centeredness. Freedom from self, period.
If you set aside time today to read any important historical national documents about the true significance of this national holiday (and let’s see now, who wouldn’t set aside time for that, between the BBQs, the parades, and the fireworks, hmm?) – and even if you don’t – please do set aside time today to read another short, brilliant, piercing lyric that celebrates the freedom that really matters.
Celebrate forgiveness – for confessed sin is set aside, put out of sight, erased, blotted out.
Celebrate righteousness – for those who are forgiven are cleared of guilt, washed clean, made new.
Celebrate a powerful Lord – who is our hiding place, our protection, our glorious song of victory.
Celebrate a wise God – who reveals the best path for life, advises us, watches over us.
Celebrate a loving Father – whose unfailing love surrounds those who trust him with pure hearts.
In truth, it matters little that today is Friday or that today is July 4th. What matters is that today is today, and so all God’s children can, and should, celebrate.
Rejoice! Shout for joy! The Lord reigns supreme, and we are made free.
Breathe 