While watching something the other day that took place in the US House of Representatives chamber, I notice something that I know I’ve seen before but never quite that bold. Above the seating where the Speaker of the House sits was carved in marble what was big enough for anyone to see. It read, IN GOD WE TRUST.

This is the official motto of the United States of America. By statute, it is engraved or imprinted on all US currency. It is sung about in the fourth verse of the Star Spangled Banner. During the Cold War, the US sought to distinquish itself from the Soviet Union’s promoted state atheism and Congress passed a joint resolution making IN GOD WE TRUST our national motto. After some challenges to that, in 2011 the House once again reaffirmed it as our motto by a vote of 396-9. Many states and counties as well as other countries have adopted this as well, passing laws or resolutions requiring it to be displayed prominently and even putting it on fire and police vehicles.

For some reason, seeing this motto engraved in marble in prominent view in the House caused me to be concerned. Please understand that I am not judging any group of people or political party. However, as I look at the US and even at the church, I am finding that we are putting too much trust in everything but God. Psalm 20:7 makes the bold declaration:

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God

When I look around this country lately, what I see is a “grab what you can” mentality. People have lost trust in other people, government, or whatever. People who have been starved, if not careful, will overeat when given a chance because their mind tells them that it’s unsure when they will eat again. Someone with a poverty mentality will scrounge for more. It’s not about how much they have, it’s always believing that they don’t have enough or are afraid they will run out. I’ve seen and heard of people at free food giveaways that will lie to get more, even if they don’t need it. What I see is a lack of trust in God, whether it’s a conscious or subconscious choice. Stealing or looting displays a lack of trust. It says, “I’m going to get what’s “mine” regardless of who I hurt.”

Yes, I absolutely believe that we need to put feet and hands to our faith, but if we’re doing things because of a lack of trust, that can lead to sin. Our faith, as written in John 3:16 says that if we believe (place confidence in; trust) in Him, we will not perish. Our very salvation depends on IN GOD WE TRUST. We are called to go into all the world and tell the Good News. That Gospel is built upon the fact that I need Jesus and so do they. When do I need Him? All the time! What should I trust Him with? Everything! The truth is: I cannot do it on my own and need God to give my the strenght to do it. Everything goes back to God. He even told the Apostle Paul that it was in his weakness where God would be made strong.

I have heard people say that they can’t read the Book of Revelation because it scares them. I have had some tell me that hell scares them. Both of these would be scary if it weren’t for one thing….or One Person, Jesus Christ. Friends, I can read Revelation without worry. I can talk about hell without fear. I can look around this country and this world without being afraid of what is going on and what the future hold because IN GOD I TRUST.

If you are worried about something, hand it over to God. He says,

Cast your burden on the LORD,
And He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

We’re here to pray with you. If you haven’t trust in God’s plan for salvation, then today is your God-appointed day. Maybe you are a believer but you need someone to agree in prayer with you. The Healing Balm is about bringing you God’s truth that brings healing…body, soul, and spirit.