Trusting God

In September 1814, an invading British army captured Washington, DC, burning many buildings. Then, they headed for Baltimore and began shelling Fort McHenry in its harbor. Francis Scott Key was a lawyer who had secured the release of an American doctor from the British forces. But he had to wait on a ship until the attack ended.

Throughout the night of September 13, Key fixed his eye on a large flag that was flying over the fort. The next morning (on this day in 1814), he was thrilled that the flag was still flying, which meant that the fort had not fallen.

Moved by the experience and the inspiration provided by that flag, Key began writing a poem on the back of a letter in his pocket. Later, he completed the poem while staying in a Baltimore hotel. Within a few days the poem was set to music, and became known as “The Star-Spangled Banner,” eventually becoming the country’s national anthem.

Many of its words are familiar, but the fourth stanza, rarely sung, may contain the most important words. There, Key spoke about America as “the heav’n rescued land,” and urged that we “praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.” He ended by saying that the star-spangled banner would wave in triumph if “our cause it is just,” and our motto is “in God is our trust.”

Through his words, Key reminded us that we must always depend on God. As individuals, and as a nation. In your life, make sure that you are trusting in Him. But also make this a day to pray for your country and your leaders.