In God We Trust

In God We Trust

Written by: Tom Matlock

Politics, crime, our soldiers in distant lands, and our country’s growing financial crisis are creating more than enough despair to go around. I often hear from Christian men and women who long for the prosperity, security, patriotism, and unity of days gone by. They long for America to once again be one nation under God. Unfortunately, longing doesn’t make something a reality. It seems as though the greater majority wants to make their own way, strive for their “piece of the pie”, and serve their own gods. Sadly, this is true even in Christian circles.

It is discouraging that as a country we have walked so far away from the Lord and His ways. We were a people who were committed to God. Given our current situation and the blindness to truth our fellow citizens and politicians currently demonstrate, one can only come to the following logical deduction: When we as a nation trusted and followed the true and living God, we had His hand of blessing upon us and we prospered. When we decided to forsake accountability to Almighty God and put the “American Dream” and our own selfish desires first, well, look where that has gotten us.

We need ordinary men and women to live lives worthy of the name by which we are called: Christians. We need leaders, political and otherwise, who are willing to take a stand for God without fear of being politically incorrect. We need to start living for Christ as though our country’s future depends on it…because it does!

“The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country.” Calvin Coolidge

“The real crisis we face today is a spiritual one; at root, it is a test of moral will and faith.” Ronald Reagan

“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’” John 8:12 (NLT)

“This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.'” Isaiah 48:17 (NLT)

Our resolve needs to be:

“For this is God, our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death.” Psalm 48:14 (NIV)

And most certainly, God’s promise is:

“But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33 (NIV)

“For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go.” Proverbs 2:6-9 (NLT)

Just as the Lord said to Solomon, I believe the same is true for America:

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place.” 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 (NLT)

As believers, we have Christ, and therefore have no need to worry about today’s gloom and doom. But I wonder if we are seizing every opportunity to minister to the spiritual needs of those around us who are worrying and afraid?

So, what’s holding you back? Are you a catalyst for change? -Or maybe you’re hoping it will just happen? What have you done over this last week to share hope with a family member, friend, or neighbor who may be struggling? How many people do you know who are unsaved and unaware of the stability/security God provides those who love and trust Him? Will you ever share Christ with them? When?

I ask you, Christian brothers and sisters, what will it take to stir you to action? What will it take for us as believers to put personal agendas aside and make an eternal difference in the lives our fellow countrymen and women?

Until the Lord breaks open the heavens and comes for His people, there is hope for America. It is His will for us to reach the lost and hurting around us. It is His will for us to encourage one another to courageous Christian leadership. He desires us to once more be one nation, under God.