God Bless America?

If you are like me, you find yourself tiptoeing around conversations that might trigger emotional responses from friends and family about the state of our nation. People I love and respect, people I know love the Lord, hold political positions opposite to mine. I’ve learned not to make assumptions, not even in church. And lately, I’ve been asking the Lord if these friends are saying something I need to hear. One thought that keeps coming to mind is this: faith and patriotism are not the same thing.

The issue is one of loyalty. How do we square a love of country with a love for the Lord when our nation strays?

The Bible says that as long as our government does not force us to go against God’s commands, we are to be loyal, hardworking, tax-paying citizens (1 Pet. 2:13-14; Rom. 13:2-5). If following Him puts us at odds with government policies, even then, we are to be respectful. But that’s not all (and here’s the part that gives me trouble)—we aren’t to let attacks on our faith or person detract from the gospel. Our priority must the kingdom of God, whether all goes well with our nation or whether it falls apart.

When authorities tell the apostles to stop preaching the gospel, Peter simply says, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). He doesn’t argue. He doesn’t get angry. Instead, he goes about doing what the Lord commissioned him to do: in the name of Jesus, he preaches the good news, serves, heals, and loves those God puts in his path.

Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” (NLT). Abhorrent political policies are just the expression of that evil. Satan wins if we become obsessed or so distressed by them (and the people who promote them) that we stop being the light of Christ in our families, communities, and nations.

Most of us would admit that our country is off track. We may disagree about what needs to change and who can change it, but we see that we are at a tipping point. Believers on all sides are grieved by the injustice, violence, and immorality that weakens us.

I recently saw a facebook post by a Christian woman who says she won’t sing “God bless America” because we don’t deserve to be blessed. Many agreed with her. They raise a valid point. Given America’s blatant disregard for God, should we continue to be loyal to her?

I understand that patriotism and faith are not the same thing. And yes, we are a deeply flawed, deeply divided nation. Still, I love my country.

Others have been at this crossroads before us. The prophet Isaiah warned Israel and Judah of imminent judgment because of their sins. Israel fell but Judah received a reprieve when her king, (Hezekiah) turned to the Lord (Isa. 37:21). Because a desperate leader sought the Lord, and because a faithful prophet interceded, God postponed judgment for a generation.

As believers, do we give up? Or do we intercede?

To those who refuse to sing “God bless America” because we don’t deserve to be blessed, I say:

-       I sing “God bless America” as a prayer that God will turn our hearts to Him. I sing, “If my people will humble themselves and pray” because any nation that humbles themselves before the Lord can be His people.

-       God transforms individuals and He transforms nations. The Lord says to a rebellious Israel, “I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart” (Ezek. 36:26 NLT). We don’t have to wonder about God’s motives. He says, It is “not because you deserve it. I am doing it to protect my holy name, on which you brought shame” (Ezek. 36:22 NLT).

-       The question isn’t, Are we worthy? But, Is God grace greater than our sin? If God can give people with hearts of stone new hearts of compassion, then I pray that we in the U.S. will be among them. Millions of Christians ask for this daily—Christians whose hope is in the Lord, not a person or political party.

-       Some say it is arrogant for Americans to view ourselves as God’s chosen people. I say, we in the US are not exclusive but neither are we excluded. The Lord will help us and any nation who seeks Him.

-       I pray for what God says to ask for—mercy. It is precisely because we are wretched and lost and blind that we need Him. May God open our eyes to reveal corruption, expose lies, and unmask evil. May our desperate need drive us to repent.

So yes, Father, please bless America.

Bless us with your presence.

Bless us with the convicting power of the Holy Spirit.

Bless us with your wisdom to discern the times so that we will take our place as warrior-intercessors in your kingdom.

Let us not be arrogant or hopeless. You are on the throne. Make us yours. Root out every attitude of superiority as well as false guilt. May we not be consumed by who we are, but by who you are.

Raise up worshipers to declare your power, authority, and love.

Show us how to live in ways that honor your name.

Give us courage to stand against all people, powers, ideologies, and policies that mock you and your laws.

Father, Your kingdom come,

your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

All power and glory belong to you forever and ever. Amen.

Winner 2025 Living Water Award