Initially appearing on our coins during the Civil War, “In God We Trust” became the official motto of the United States in 1956. It was meant to affirm that America’s political and economic prosperity of the nation was in God’s hands. But do we believe that today? We certainly don’t seem to act that way. Fewer are attending places of worship or affirming their faith as relevant to their day-to-day choices. The secular world wants to think that man has all the answers in spite of the riots, violence, and despair that our culture still seems to generate.
After spending a day at the Pacific Coast Futures Retreat hosted by Robert Tucker and jatin Das Gupta, I left with renewed hope for the future. Certainly, global warming and other challenges were noted, but rather than dwelling on the problems, the focus was put on innovation and collaborative problem solving’s role in inventing a future we can be proud of. When innovators put their focus on finding solutions, they can be downright impressive! It was a joy spending a day with talented, optimistic visionaries from many disciplines, both private and public. Instead of selling despair, they were all doing their part to cultivate hope.
Rinaldo Brutoco, one of the presenters focusing on the future role of hydrogen, also took a moment to share his experience of working in India with Mother Teresa. He talked of her amazing presence fueled by a rock-solid faith and an unrelenting call to serve. Even in the face of overwhelming challenges, she trusted that God would guide her path. She lived and served in the real world, but she trusted that God was in full control of the big picture.
Long before they had any retreats focused on the future, the Bible provided a hopeful message of what men and women created in God’s image can do. Created by God to have dominion over nature, man was challenged not to destroy creation but to be good stewards of its many gifts and potential.
We were called to be open to the opportunities embedded in every day. In Psalm 118:24, the Psalmist writes, “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Yes, we are to rejoice, not despair. We aren’t to waste a day or the opportunities available. We are to look for ways to put our God-given gifts to use in making each day the masterpiece in can become.
The dual impact of the faith filled coronation of King Charles with another mass shooting in Allen, TX reminds us of being accountable to a higher power and the desperate need for standards to demand we do what is right. As Dostoevsky so aptly stated in his Brothers Karamazov, “If there is no God, everything is permissible.”
Yes, life, even with God, will never be easy. Work and ethics are required to reap the benefits of our innovation. But fear not, God promised that we would find the strength to run the race well. In Isaiah 40:31, the Psalmist proclaims: “Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up on wings of eagles, they shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not be faint.” Just as in past generation, we may not have all the answers to address the challenges we face, but with patient perseverance and a will to do what is right, we once again can achieve the purposeful progress God promises.
Never forget that it was out of these Judeo/Christian values, that America’s free-enterprise capitalism was forged. Citizens, given the opportunity to use their God-given gifts unencumbered by government interference and unnecessary controls, are free to live out their own American Dream and thrive. Yes, failures are often part of the price we pay on the road to success, but no country has been more successful than America in creating a culture of innovation and opportunity.
Embracing “In God We Trust” does not mean we leave everything to God. It just means that we know and trust the source of our solid ground. Joyce Meyer, in Hearing God Each Morning, writes: “If I were to say, ‘I am trusting God,’ but then I stay anxious and upset, then I am not really trusting God. If I were to say, “I am trusting God,’ but I sink into depression and despair, then ai am not really trusting God. When we truly trust God, we are able to enter into His rest and allow our hearts to settle into a place of unshakeable confidence in Him.” And if we trust God, we have reason to trust his creation and thus our own ability to achieve our own success.
God doesn’t create junk. He gives each of us wisdom, unique skills, and a sense of calling and purpose. What’s your place in America’s future? No politicians will give that to you. Find and develop your own skills, learn and keep relearning, network and collaborate with like-minded innovators, and find ways to serve that excite and inspire you. Trust that half of what you could do hasn’t even been created yet. Keep your eyes open every day and be ready to seize new opportunities. Why not join in the adventure of creating America’s future?
If you are still thinking our problems are too big to trust God and man’s innovations to handle, take time to look into the many solutions on the horizon. If you’re worried about the end of fossil fuels, hydrogen and fusion power are being developed to meet our needs. Watch a reporter in Israel share the potential of the Aquarius Engine, a superlight hydrogen powered engine literally ready to be developed and used. There is no way of knowing whether this engine will win the day, but it’s exciting to know that there are alternatives already being created.
If we use the gifts God gave us to do what is right and to serve where we are planted, we just might be part of creating the future we all want to have. Instead of giving in to despair, cultivate a little more hope. Maybe, we can once more claim and live out our motto, “In God We Trust.” Amen.
To fuel your faith in God, consider purchasing Dr. Paulson’s newly released ”Joy Comes with the Morning” course today! Get ready to enjoy the 31 short, recorded messages on your computer or smart phone. Each message is designed to expand and enhance your joy-filled faith experience whenever you need or want it. Visit tomeapp.com/joy to start bringing more Christian joy to your morning today. Contact him at terry@terrypaulson.com.