In God We Trust

"Today's Devotion" For March 24, 2006

Read: Psalm 56; Psalm 27

IN GOD WE TRUST

"When i am afraid, I will trust in You. In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" (Psalm 56:3, 4)

"In God We Trust." This little, short paragraph, this declaration of faith and hope, is also a source of dissention and disdain. "In God We Trust" appears on all legal tender of the United States, but the faith and trust it proclaims is under increasing attack and challenge throughout our society. Nevertheless, it's both a statement of faith in a God who cares and blesses, and is involved in and concerned for the welfare of His Creation. It is further a statement of hope and faith that no matter what happens God knows it, sees it, and will see us through it.

While our forebears incorporated the phrase "In God We Trust" as the motto of the United States of America, including it on all legal tender and thus making it a daily reminder of God's loving care and providence for the nation, the phrase in Psalm 56 that follows, "I will not be afraid," reminds us just what "In God We Trust." truly means. Living in a world that disputes God's existence at every turn, that disdains and derides those who believe in Him, and finds every reason to discount His creation, divine power, and wisdom, it's not too difficult to be afraid. In many parts of the world, being a Christian brings death. A breaking story from Afghanistan reveals the plight of a man, Abdul Rahman, who is currently under sentence of death for having converted to Christianity from Islam and refusing to deny Jesus and return to Islam. According to Islamic law, which is very much a part of Afghan Law, he has insulted Allah by denying Islam and must be put to death in order to "defend" Allah. This is quite amazing in itself - how is it necessary that fallible, mortal, sinful human beings need to defend "God?"

No doubt, "In God (We) Trust" is not just some simple motto to Mr. Rahman. He is living in that trust, knowing that no matter what happens to him, He is in God's hands and will be with Jesus forever in heaven. He knows that his sins are forgiven and his true hope and peace is in Jesus. "What can man do to me?" (Ps. 56:4) isn't just a nice sentiment, but a very real truth in the life of this redeemed child of God, and, God willing, in our lives as well. Truly, by faith, we have the confidence and assurance that nothing can separate us from God's love for us in Jesus Christ. Thus, we really have nothing to fear from anyone or anything, for even if our lives on earth are ended, in Christ Jesus, as God's dearly, beloved, redeemed, and forgiven children, we are assured that we will be with Him forever. As David so clearly proclaims in Psalm 27, "The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?" (v. 1)

"In God We Trust." That's not just some patriotic motto, nor some sentimental, feel-good saying that has a nostalgic flavor to it. It is in fact what God's people believe every day, in every situation, facing any kind of duress or danger. "I will not be afraid" for "what can man do to me" that can separate me (and you) from God's love and forgiveness that are ours in Christ Jesus? What a powerful witness "In God We Trust" really is. It's a statement of faith and trust, hope and peace - a reminder of the faith of the Founding Fathers (and mothers) and their conviction that they had founded a nation that trusted in God and was blessed by Him. It's their reminder to succeeding generations, such as ours, that it is God who saves and protects the nation and its people when they trust in Him.

Prayer: Father, as I read stories and hear about my brothers and sisters in Christ living in far away places and suffering for the sake of the Gospel, I'm both grateful that You have seen fit to live my life in a place where worshiping and praising You and sharing Your love in Christ with others is still allowed. I'm grateful that I can confess my faith without fear of death, and that people can come to faith in Jesus without someone condemning them to death for their faith. Yet, Father, I know that all too often I take this freedom and the blessings it brings with it for granted. Too often do I turn a blind eye to the erosion of the freedoms this nation has only because our laws and principles have been based on Your Word. Forgive me for not truly taking "In God We Trust" to heart and living my life in support of those in need, those who are suffering, and those who are lost without Your love in Jesus. Too often am I afraid of what others might think of me or whether I'll have the right words to say - so I keep silent. Forgive me, Father, for this lack of trust in You and strengthen by Your Word and Spirit and the power of my Baptism so that I might live as a bold and fearless witness of Your mercy and grace in Christ in whose precious name I pray. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright © 2006 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.