Happy Independence Day!

It was 242 years ago when the Continental Congress voted to declare independence from Britain. Together, the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, penned by Thomas Jefferson. Within it are these words:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Nearly two and half centuries old, these poignant words still inspire. Because of their freedom-focused vision, we are able to exercise rights as individuals living in a free country.

Even better, we are able to enjoy a different kind of life, liberty, and happiness—for free—because Jesus paid the price.

Life

“I have come in order that you might have life—life in all its fullness.”


John 10:10b

Liberty

“We have, then, my friends, complete freedom to go into the Most Holy Place by means of the death of Jesus.”


Hebrews 10:19

Happiness

“Seek your happiness in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desire.”


Psalm 37:4

These verses give us reason to rejoice in our dependence on the Lord. Being saved by God’s grace gives us access to abundant life. Accepting Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross gives us freedom to commune with our Creator. And seeking kingdom-focused things makes our hearts happy.

We have so much to celebrate! Not only do we live in a nation founded on freedom—but we have the freedom to rejoice in the blessings of life, liberty, and happiness as children of God. Let’s declare our dependence on him in all things—today and always.