The Bombs Bursting In Air

There is a line in the Star Spangled Banner that has always stood out to me:

And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

Francis Scott Key, the composer of this hymn, wrote these lines in the poem "Defence of Fort McHenry" after watching the battle in the War of 1812. How interesting that it was the destructive bombs and killing rockets that helped to give them hope. The lights from these shone down on their flag, proving it was still flying high. If they had been defeated, the flag would have been first to go. It was a symbol of not only what they stood and were fighting for in general, but also gave them encouragement through a specific battle.

Christians are living on the battle field today.
For our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. Ephesians 6:12

What do we do when the bombs of the enemy tear families and friends apart? How do we cope when the rockets of condemnation, hatred, lust, and greed pierce our minds and those around us?

First, their trails of light remind us that we are at war, so hit your knees in prayer. We were told this would happen. Jesus says in John 16:33, "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world."


Jesus is our flag. We see Him support us through these hurts and are reminded that we will win the war. The battles may be intense, but the outcome is assured. Even in all the enemy's schemes, Jesus will shine bright. We only need to have our eyes focused in the right direction.