In God We Trust

“In God We Trust.” Quite a declaration. These words were first imprinted on coin in 1864 intended to reflect the religious sentiment that existed in the Civil War days and have been part of our currency since. The phrase was a heartfelt declaration, not embraced by all Americans, but by enough so as to avoid a fuss. Beginning with Abraham, a person from the bible whose name is universally known regardless of a person’s religious interest, trust or “faith” as we may call it, is a state of heart and mind highly regarded by God. Most everyone would acknowledge the value of being able to trust someone or in something. Right? By any honest measure we could say that this declaration is a questionable claim in today’s culture, that “In God We Trust” does not reflect majority sentiment. As Americans, evolving from a heritage of self will and independence, we pride ourselves that we can be self-reliant (though that term deserves to be in question). As people of faith, we are often no different than anyone else in investing our trust . . . even towards God. Webster defines trust as “Total confidence in the integrity, ability and good character of another.” Our trust is often partial, situational, not total. So is that trust at all? Abraham made some bonehead decisions, to be sure, just like we do today. But he did establish that spiritual beachhead which God honored when he believed God’s word, trusting in God’s promise to him. Have you established your beachhead to where there is that trust in God at your core and the world won’t shake it? God’s promises to us are many. Our temptation is to “cherry pick” what we believe is possible or “buy in” according to human reason and experience and doubt the rest. Suffering, pain and living by “sight” alone further complicate our challenge to trust. Is there any confidence without total confidence? Ernest Hemingway, noted for such comments as “All thinking men are atheists” and “ . . religion is a menace to society,” also once said “The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust him.” God welcomes our opportunities to “prove Him.” His challenge though, is to “Trust in Him with all your heart, and don’t depend on your human understanding.” (Prov. 3:5) Honestly, who do you really trust? Think About It.