Election Benediction

As I head out the door in a few minutes and make my way to the Summit Township Municipal Building to vote, I’m keeping in mind the principles from Sunday morning’s sermon. I’m not voting my pocketbook or my party or my personal preferences; I’m voting, prayerfully and as best I understand, after God’s heart – after the things that matter most to Him.

But after I exit the polling place, I want to turn from the sermon to the brief but weighty benediction offered by Pastor Dave following the first service:

“In God we trust. Amen.”

How hard that sometimes is! Especially in these days when the economy is unraveling and the stock market is ricocheting about and the scaffolding we have erected for the future begins to wobble, until the economy has become the biggest issue in this presidential election. In truth, it’s likely to remain a major issue for some time. That’s why Sunday’s benediction will remain so relevant to our situation, and so vital to remember.

Thankfully, our wise forefathers had “In God We Trust” inscribed on our country’s pennies and nickels and dimes and quarters and bills. Maybe they realized we would need it on the currency in which we instinctively place so much of our hope and sense of well-being. Silently, unceasingly, our coins and greenbacks proclaim that wonderful benediction… we just need to listen to it a little more closely. To agree with it a bit more frequently. To accept the reminder and let it increase our faith.

Perhaps it would help us to inwardly repeat those words when paying the parking lot attendant at the hospital ramp, or swiping our card at the supermarket, or putting money into the church offering. Maybe we should have those words imprinted on our checks and posted prominently at the desk where we pay our bills and balance our checkbooks.

However we do it, let’s not forget. In matters of elections and economics and all things earthly, our God is sovereign and all-powerful and He watches over His own. And should you ever waver in your trust, take out a penny and once more receive the benediction:

“In God We Trust. Amen.”