Pastor Mitch McDonald
I am writing this article on July 30 and am reminded that 68 years ago, on July 30, 1956, Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a law officially making “In God We Trust” our national motto. The earliest recorded use of that motto in English was in January of 1748, as The Pennsylvania Gazette reported on Benjamin Franklin’s militia. Some people may not realize that this motto is also found in our national anthem, which was written in 1814. In the last stanza of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Francis Scott Key wrote this variation: “… And this be our motto: In God is our trust.” The use of this motto continued as “In God We Trust” and was used as a political motto during the American Civil War as Union supporters emphasized their trust in God to boost the morale of soldiers. The last Act of Congress signed by President Lincoln was requiring that the motto “In God We Trust” be inscribed upon all our nation’s coins.
Most believe this is taken from Psalm 56:11: “In God I have put my trust. I shall not be afraid.”
The motto continued in popularity, as shown by a 2002 poll showing 90% of Americans supported the inscription “In God We Trust.” But times have changed. Some polls now show less than 30% feel it is still an appropriate motto. Countless lawsuits have asked for it to be removed.
We live in a confused and divided world. One hundred fifteen days before our presidential election, an assassination attempt took place against a candidate. Then, just eight days later, our current president decided to withdraw from the race. Our nation, and our nation’s leaders, are under attack and need our prayers now more than ever.
It’s not a question of political party. It’s not even a question of conservative or liberal. It’s a reality. Our world needs prayer. I began challenging our congregation at the end of July to spend these 100 days leading up to our national election in prayer.
In 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 we read, “If I shut-up the heavens, so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among the people, and my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray, and if they seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, I will forgive their sin, and I will heal their land.”
For the next 100 days, we will be praying for our government, our military, the media, business, education, the church, and for families in America and throughout the world. Would you consider joining us? We are now only about 60 days away from the election, but it’s not too late to start today. “In God We Trust” is not just a motto. It’s a reminder of a promise He has made to us. A promise that He still hears our prayer. He still forgives our sin. We can trust God to heal our land.