Land of Liberty

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 NASB

Born in Boston in 1808, Samuel Francis Smith graduated with honors from Harvard in 1829. After working as a journalist, he felt a call to the ministry. One of his friends was composer Lowell Mason, and in 1832, Mason sent Smith several German hymnals he had received (since Smith understood this language).

As he reviewed these hymns, Smith discovered a melody he liked and “instantly felt the impulse to write a patriotic hymn” based on this tune. (Smith did not know that the same melody had been used for England’s national anthem: “God Save the Queen.”)

Smith quickly picked up “a scrap of waste paper” and began writing the words that formed in his mind. The whole piece was completed within just thirty minutes. The result was the hymn that became known as “America.”

Smith felt inspired to write about the liberty he felt in the United States. He wrote, “My country ‘tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died! Land of the Pilgrim’s pride! From every mountain side, let freedom ring!”

But Smith realized that, without God, there could be no freedom. He knew that “Our father’s God to Thee, Author of liberty, to Thee we sing.” He knew that America needed God’s hand of blessing and protection. “Long may our land be bright with freedom’s holy light; protect us by Thy might, Great God, our King!”

Today is the day Americans celebrate their “independence.” Wherever you live, make this a day to pray for your country. More than ever, the world needs God. He is the Author of liberty! Only He can keep us free, and give us true freedom! Pray for His blessing and protection. Pray for your leaders. Pray for revival.

Prayer: Father, thank You for my country. Forgive us of our sins. Bless our leaders. You are My King; I dedicate my resources to You. Use me to bring salvation to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.