Editor, Times-Union: As a 30-years military veteran, my heart swells with pride and appreciation as I drive around town, seeing much evidence of renewed patriotism including expressions of the prayer, "GOD BLESS AMERICA." That is good!
But a thought haunts me. As God looks down at the marquees, windows and bumpers, does he ask, "Why should I? On what basis do you expect me to bless your nation?"
I submit that we need a parallel exhortation, "AMERICA, BLESS GOD."
The Psalmist David was an example to his nation in doing that. "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." (103:1-2 KJV; 102:1-2 Douay)
God "blessing" us and our "blessing" him uses the word in two very different senses. All good flows from God, so he is said to bless his creatures. But in this sense, there is no possibility of any creature's blessing God in his infinite perfections.
For us to bless God is humbly to acknowledge him as the best and greatest of all beings, the only object worthy of praise. Quoting William Dunlop, (a young author, circa 1700), "To bless God, is to take every opportunity of owning our veneration and esteem of his excellent greatness, and to declare to all about us, as loudly as we can, the goodness and grace of his conduct towards men, and our infinite obligations for all our enjoyments to him, in whom we live, move and have our being. The most lively and acceptable method of blessing God is a holy conversation [lifestyle] and earnest endeavor to be purified from all iniquity, for blessing of God consists, in adoring his excellencies. That person best exalts the glory of the divine power, who fears God above all, and trembles at his wrath; and of his justice, who flees from sin, which exposes him to the inexorable severity thereof; and of his love, who is softened thereby into grateful returns of obedience."
I am reminded of a man who just knew that God wanted him to win the lottery, so he prayed every day for that happy result. No luck! Finally, he heard a voice, "Well, at least give me a break, buy a ticket!"
"GOD BLESS AMERICA." Indeed, we continue to pray that.
But give him (and us) a break. "AMERICA, BLESS GOD."
P.S. Carolyn suggested I make sure you know that we don't favor the lottery and suspect that God may not be too impressed either.
