I love America! I’m as patriotic as they come—I cry when I hear the Star-Spangled Banner and God Bless America. I love the 4th of July—fireworks, celebrations, hot dogs and apple pie. I feel blessed that I grew up in a patriotic nation, a nation that espoused Judeo-Christian values, one nation under God.

Waking up at 4 a.m. this morning, I was overcome with deep sorrow as these memories flooded my mind, heart and spirit. My beloved nation seems far removed from the one I describe above. God is no longer welcome in our culture, our government or even in many of our churches. And when God is not present, evil comes in like a flood. Evil is subtle as it grows and then it explodes beyond belief! We are currently witnessing that explosion in America.

Alexis de Tocqueville, a 19th century French diplomat, political scientist, and historian, offered his observations of America during his travels across the U.S. from 1831-32. In his two-column work, “Democracy in America,” he makes this famous observation:

“I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her fertile fields and boundless forests, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her rich mines and her vast world commerce, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her public school system and her institutions of learning, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution, and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.”

Tocqueville’s astute observation has come true. We as a nation have ceased to be good and thus we have ceased to be great. But we have a God of mercy, a God who continually offered forgiveness to the nation Israel when they wandered from Him and committed evil. And He offers the same mercy to America today.

In Chronicles 7:14 He says: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

There is still hope for America! While many are blinded to the spiritual reality of what is really happening in our nation, we who believe in God and who are called by name, hold the key to our nation’s future. His answer lies in obeying that scripture.

Today I weep—not the warm, fuzzy patriotic tears, but tears of repentance for the depths to which our nation has fallen. I ask you to join me during this July 4th celebration to pray—asking a merciful, kind and loving God to forgive us and make us a great nation once again—one nation under God!