Trust in God

Righteous are you, O LORD, and right are your rules. You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness and in all faithfulness. My zeal consumes me, because my foes forget your words. Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it. I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts. Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true. Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight. Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live. (Psalm 119:137-144 ESV). I am glad that we live in a country that has lawfully guaranteed everyone’s ability to live in the pursuit of happiness. I think it is interesting that we hear so many people use that freedom apart from God. While America is a great nation, without God we are nothing. No military might the world has ever known can stand against Him. I find it interesting that there are those who would like to remove God from our nation. It has been happening for some time now. In 1999, a quiet movement began. It wasn't using picket signs, or a flood of letters to congress, or even a lawsuit, which’s already been tried. Instead, some Atheists and separationists are taking pen in hand, and obliterating the "In God We Trust" motto from the national currency. Others are using rubber stamps, or inserting their own messages like "In Reason We Trust," or "Keep Church and State Separate." Perhaps a little history would be helpful. Secretary Chase, on November 20, 1861, wrote to James Pollock, Director of the Mint at Philadelphia. He instructed Pollock to prepare a motto, declaring "No nation can be strong except in the strength of God, or safe except in His defense. The trust of our people in God should be declared on our national coins..." A design was submitted in December 1863 proposing OUR GOD AND OUR COUNTRY, or the alternative of GOD, OUR TRUST. On December 9, 1863, Chase formally approved a third slogan in a letter to the Mint Director. The national motto adopted by the Founders was inscribed next to the Great Seal of the United States, a decoration devised under the supervision of Franklin, Adams and Jefferson. It was Jefferson who suggested "E Pluribus Unum," and that slogan was adopted in 1782, five years before the Constitutional convention of 1787. He wrote: "I approve your mottoes (sic), only suggesting that on that with the Washington obverse the motto should begin with the word OUR, so as to read OUR GOD AND OUR COUNTRY. And on that with the shield, it should be changed so as to read: IN GOD WE TRUST." And, so was born the slogan on our currency and in our national psyche. As you enjoy the many aspects of freedom, remember that real freedom comes through Jesus Christ and trust in God is a part of our national greatness. I still pledge allegiance to our flag as one nation under God. I hope you do also!