Today is July Fourth, the day Americans celebrate our beginning as an independent nation 241 years ago. Other nations (including our Canadian friends) have similar celebrations marking their own history. May each of us pause to thank God for all the blessings He has given us as a nation.

But those blessings have come at a price: the sacrifices of those brave men and women who were willing to give their lives to defend our freedoms. Without their dedication our nation would be a far different place from what it is today. We might have lost our independence and found ourselves living under a cruel tyrant, or we might have been carved up into a series of separate countries. Instead of living in the most prosperous nation the world has ever known, we might well be living in poverty and constant conflict.

We don’t always know at the time what impact a military action will have, but I hope you will take comfort in the fact that your son’s death was not in vain. Where would we be if we allowed tyrants and evildoers to go forth unopposed? The Bible says, “Those who promote peace have joy” (Proverbs 12:20).

The greatest comfort I can give you, however, is to tell you that God understands your grief and your hurt, and He wants to comfort you and give you hope. Put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ, for He alone is the key to lasting peace.

Find peace with God today.