The United States is a great country!   It was founded on Judeo-Christian beliefs and has remained strong in these beliefs for almost 250 years. It's where a person is free to pursue his or her interests and, regardless of background, achieve his or her dreams. Here people can unite as Americans while holding onto their cultural heritage. It is a country of dreamers and innovators who are always striving to improve our world. A country of givers, people willing to help others- whether next door or far away.

 

Unfortunately, the America I know and love is in crisis. We are facing social, political, and foreign challenges, as well as economic difficulties. All of which may impact our citizens for generations. Over the past few decades, there has been a decline in morality and traditional family values. Judeo-Christian beliefs have come under attack.  At the core of these issues is a growing climate of apathy towards God and His Word.  

 

Many are asking, “Where is the America I once knew?” “Does God care about what is happening in America?” “Does He have a plan for our nation?” To find the answer to the first question, we must first consider the other two. Yes, I believe God does care about America and has a plan for us! 2 Chronicles 16:9 says, "For the eyes of the Lord roam throughout the earth, so that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” Let’s consider these questions one at a time.

 

Question 1: Does God care about America? God has been an integral part of America’s history since its beginning. This nation was founded by people from various countries who were seeking freedom to worship God as they chose. A majority of our nation’s first leaders were men of strong faith, recognizing the sovereignty and wisdom of God. They looked to Him for guidance and protection. Our founding documents, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, attest to this dependence on God. Even today, America is still considered a godly country even though religion is being attacked. There are people who love the Lord in every city, town, and suburb across the nation. Churches and Christian ministries still seek to serve their communities and share the Gospel of Jesus.  While the Bible doesn’t refer to America by name (we weren’t a country when scripture was written), it seems reasonable He would care about what happens to a nation that was founded on Judeo-Christian values and continues to have many Jewish and Christian citizens.

 

The psalmist wrote, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him (Psalm 103:11).   Romans 8 tells us that nothing can separate us from His love (vs 38-39). John states, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:10).

 

He cares for us individually and collectively. He cares when we struggle, are oppressed, and do not show justice. He cares when we participate in corrupt and immoral actions. He cares about our children, the poor, businesses, and families. The question really becomes “Do we care about God?” Are we willing to learn His ways and follow them, knowing that they are for our good? Are we willing to trust Him?

 

Question 2: Does God have a plan for America? I believe the answer can be found in Jeremiah 29:11, which says, “‘ For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” According to Dr. David Palmer, to be blessed by God, we must first be godly and good. He writes, “the Scriptures are clear that it is only through trusting in God that we can find national well-being… We are called as a nation to look above all to God.” Concerning goodness, Palmer shares four principles that describes God’s view of a good nation: It will be one that:

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●  cares for the needy and poor (Deuteronomy 15:11) 

●  welcomes the stranger  (Leviticus 19:34)

●  defends and lifts up the powerless  (Isaiah 1:17)

●   and is a place of justice  (Amos 5:24)  

 

So what can and should we as God’s people do to help return America to a nation that God can bless? First, we must be willing to fall on our knees before God, seek Him, and pray for our country. We must be willing to love Him with all our heart, souls, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5) Then we must share His message of love and live it out in our homes, neighborhoods, cities, and states. I believe that God will honor and bless our efforts and that we will see mighty things take place when we are willing to stand for God in America.