In God We Trust

The phrase first appeared on a coin in 1864, but it was much later in 1956 that an Act of Congress made "In God We Trust" as the official U.S. motto that appears today on U.S. currency. It may be hard to imagine that a nation such as ours that has largely dismissed God from much of our society, would still retain such a slogan… but according to a 2003 Gallup Poll, at least 90% of Americans still approve of the inscription on U.S. coins.

Considering the recent challenges that have emerged for America, perhaps this would be a good time for everyone to take out a coin and pause a moment to ponder our national motto. I realize there are many who are deeply worried and confused about what's happening across our land... fearful about the future, the unstable economy as well as the uncertainty of new political leadership... but look at each word of the coin's inscription. It seems as though providence arranged for the phrase to appear on every coin for a time such as this, like a divine calling card in our pocket to remind us where to look for strength and encouragement. It doesn't say "in people do we trust," or "in politics do we trust" and not even "in money we do trust." It points to our Creator alone... "In God We Trust," as our county's sure foundation... our God, who raised up The United States of America as a beacon of hope and freedom to the world... the land of the free and the home of the brave.

As patriotic citizens, it is both our right and responsibility to be involved in the political process of our democracy... by voting in every election, speaking up and supporting political policies and candidates who embrace our freedom-loving values, and opposing those politics and philosophies that seek to destroy the freedom and traditional values of our nation. But when we've exercised our right to voice our opinions and have done all we can do, we must then trust for God to be in charge of our destiny... so that regardless of what leaders may do, or whatever happens to our nation... we can hold fast to the assurance that our Creator will continue to bless, protect and help those individuals who trust in and live for Him. Yes, we should act on our convictions and do all we can... but I am convinced that all our efforts or complaints against leaders or their policies can never accomplish as much, as when we pray for them.

Many of us may look back at past elections with disappointment. We prayed, sought God's wisdom to vote for candidates we believed would be honest, trustworthy and who could provide good leadership... and have been dismayed to see that many other voters could not see things as we did. But we have to realize that even whenever we can manage to elect those who seem to be the right candidates, they are only human with mortal weaknesses, and can sometimes do more to displease than please us. We all can probably think of those we supported who failed our expectations, while occasionally others we disdained, surprised us by better-than-expected performance. The fact is, regardless of "who" is elected to any political office... or whoever serves as the nation's president, we never know for sure what we will get. Politicians and leaders are mere mortals, so either way, regardless of who's elected, we must pray for them... that God can either help them remain true to the values and judgement we thought they had, or to turn them around completely and bring them to their senses.

The bottom line is, it is better to trust God than to trust politicians (Psa 118:9). Even the best leaders still need God's divine help and guidance to succeed in their mission... or to keep from making a royal mess of things. So, let us trust God by praying for our leaders, praying for our president and those in authority everywhere. The Apostle Paul admonished us to pray for the king and those in authority... and should especially note that he taught this during a time that the Emperor, Nero, was murdering Christians. He said, "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior..." (1 Tim 2:1-3 New Living Translation)

This article is copyrighted © by Dale A. Robbins, 2009, and is a publication of Victorious Publications, Grass Valley, CA 95949. Unless otherwise stated, all scripture references were taken from The New King James Bible, © Thomas Nelson Inc., 1982. You may download this article for personal use as long as you retain credit to the author. Obtain permission before reproducing copies for any reason, by filling out our simple permission form. This writing is also available as an attractive tri-fold pamphlet, which can be downloaded for reproduction from our Online Catalog. For media reproduction rights, or to obtain quantities of this title in other formats, email us.

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