“In God We Trust”

On this date in history, July 30, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed “a law declaring “In God We Trust” to be the nation’s official motto.”

While the phrase had been used on coins since the Civil War, it was also mandated to be printed on all paper currency as well.

In 1954 in a Flag Day Speech, Eisenhower explained his feelings about the motto, as well as the phrase “under God” included in the Pledge of allegiance two years earlier.

“In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource in peace and war.”

While the motto, “In God We Trust” has long been a source of controversy between religious groups and secularists, claiming it violates the separation of church and state, its presence is seen in many forms throughout the USA. Not only on printed money, but “In God We Trust” is etched into government buildings, featured on state flags, found on official state seals, displayed on plaques in schools, libraries, government building and imprinted on law enforcement vehicles.

“In God We Trust” is also the motto of the state of Florida, as well as the nation of Nicaragua (Spanish: En Dios confiamos).

More importantly, however, is not the motto being printed on our money, flag, seals or plaques, but is it etched on our hearts?

While the exact phrase is not found in the Bible, the idea is expressed many times.

After the Lord delivered David from the hand of his enemies, he said, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; The God of my strength, in whom I will trust” (2 Sam. 22:2-3)

Later he would pen the Psalm that began with this affirmation: “To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me” (Ps 25:1-2).

The prophet Isaiah expressed it this way: “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” (Isa. 12:2).

In various ways New Testament writers warn us “that we should not trust in ourselves but in God” (2 Cor 1:9).

It is ironic that our national motto is “In God We Trust,” yet too many Christians seem to think the answers to our nation’s problems will be solved by electing the right person to political office. The real problem of our society today is sin. It is a failure to remember God. Obey His Word. And trust in His Divine Providence.

Remember that “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal”(2 Cor.10:4). That power to change people’s lives is found in “the gospel of Christ” (Rom. 1:16). And that regardless of how much it seems that Satan has the upper hand, ultimately God’s cause will be victorious.

We would do well to ask, Do we trust in God…

…In good times and bad times?
…In sickness and in health?
…In prosperity and in poverty?
…In joy and in sorrow?
…In success and in failure?
…In advantage and in adversity?
…In war and in peace?
…In strength and in weakness?
…In heartache and in happiness?
…In life and in death?

In a time of political upheaval, economic uncertainty, and societal chaos, let’s heed the counsel of the wise man: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding” (Prov 4:23).

Or as Corrie Ten Boom expressed it, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman