In Touch - June 29, 2007

In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley

            In 1918, Irving Berlin wrote “God Bless America”, a song that has touched millions of lives for nearly a century. But some Americans take the lyrics of that masterpiece for granted.

            In 1938, Berlin slightly rewrote the lyrics to reflect the tone of the country as war threatened Europe. He created an instant sensation. “God Bless America” was soon heard from shore to shore in churches, town squares, and social gatherings. The song received tremendous air time on the radio. The American people feared the coming war and embraced this song as a unified prayer for peace and protection.

            The lyrics pierced the heart of the culture. Millions of Americans prayerfully sang:

            God bless America, land that I love. 

            Stand beside her and guide her 

            Through the night with a light from above. 

            From the mountains, to the prairies 

            To the oceans white with foam 

            God bless America, my home sweet home. 

            In the midst of today’s war, it’s a tragedy that we’ve lost touch with this song of faith. Over the past few decades, we’ve shifted away from a national faith in God toward a sometimes self-important, self-centered, and self-empowered lack of faith.

            As you cry out to the Lord today, Dr. Stanley challenges you to rediscover “God Bless America.” Lift it up to God in prayer. Speak the words slowly. Let each phrase touch your heart as you make this petition to the King of all nations.

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