Hard Ground America!

Happy Independence Day 2020! In 1776, our Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence, setting in motion a revolution that shook the world.

Looking back, our second president John Adams said, “The general principles upon which the Fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity….I will avow that I believed and now believe that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and the attributes of God.”

However, it appears that we have strayed from the American dream. Riots and looting headline the news as judges approve laws that defy the Bible. We have not heeded the warning of Isaiah 5:20, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.”

Hosea chapter 10 reminds us of the United States today. Hosea accused Israel of rebelling against God. Once, Israel worshiped God, but now, they were lost. Hosea spoke of their former prosperity but noted that Israel was now in a downward cycle toward ruin.

Some agreed with Hosea and wondered what they should do to regain God’s favor. Hosea answered their cry in Verse 12 (NLT), “Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that He may come and shower righteousness upon you.”

“Hard ground” represents a once-fertile field that no longer yields fruit. It has become wasted, overgrown with weeds and thorns. Is this a picture of America today? Have we squandered the blessings that God has provided?

In this election year, what message should the presidential candidates present? What key words should be on the campaign buttons and banners? How about: “Plow up the hard ground of your hearts!”

In the past, America has had several society-changing sacred awakenings. Bible references are engraved on major government buildings in Washington D.C. Many of our historical documents refer to God with Scriptural citations. Our national motto is “In God we trust.” And numerous presidents have quoted Scripture and closed their speeches with “God bless you and God bless America.” Can God still bless America?

The bountiful spiritual ground of our past has become crusty. Our blatant and ratty sin repels the showers of blessings from God. America is on the dusty broadway to destruction and doesn’t seem to care (Matthew 7:13). Our enemies prepare to pounce upon us as we dawdle with our mutinous omphaloskepsis (navel gazing).

Our only hope is a righteous revival of God (Psalm 85:6). On this Independence Day 2020, we need our citizens to humble themselves, and pray, and seek the face of God, and to turn from their wicked ways. (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Lord, save our nation and send a revival. Let it begin in me!