Hope that Helps: Many in history saw the link between God and liberty

Our perspective of liberty celebrated in a few days can be enriched. Consider the observations made by notable contributors to the liberty we enjoy in America.

Thomas Jefferson, Founding Father, President, and author of the Declaration of Independence said, “The God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same moment.” On another occasion, Jefferson asked, “Can the liberty of a nation be thought secure when we have removed the only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?”

Founder of the Pennsylvania Colony, William Penn (1664-1718), gave timely and time proven wisdom in this declaration: “Men must be ruled by God or they will be ruled by tyrants.”

It is prevalently considered that Abraham Lincoln is one of the three greatest presidents who served our nation. His statement indicating dependence on prayer is significant: “I have been driven to my knees many times because there is no place else to go.”

President Lincoln was being visited by a personal friend during the Civil War. On a restless night, the guest was walking in a hallway of the White House. He heard a low voice coming from the room where the president slept. The door was slightly open. He stepped into the room. He saw the president kneeling before an open Bible in prayer. He heard him pray: “Oh Thou God that heard Solomon in the night when he prayed and cried for wisdom, hear me. I cannot lead these people, I cannot guide the affairs of this nation without thy help; oh God, hear me and save this nation.”

It has been wisely spoken, a lot of kneeling, will keep you standing!

Here is Hope that Helps: God is a present help in trouble and a great help in keeping us out of trouble.

May your liberty celebration make freedom more precious to you.