In you, LORD my God, I put my trust. – Psalm 25:1

Today's Scripture Reading (June 27, 2022): Psalm 25

The official motto of the United States, "In God We Trust," is a relatively recent adoption of that country. Unofficially, the slogan has a much longer history. The motto first originated during the American Civil War. The Union Army began using the phrase to boost morale by emphasizing the Army's connection with God and the morality of their cause. In 1864, the motto first appeared on the currency of the United States; it was placed on the American two-cent piece. But it wasn't until 1956 that "In God We Trust" officially replaced the original motto of the United States, "E Pluribus Unum," "Out of Many, One." And in 1957, "In God We Trust" made its first appearance on American paper money.

And even in a changing world, "In God We Trust" enjoys majority support from the American people. They may have different definitions of and beliefs in God, but they still approve of at the least the mention of placing trust in the Creator of the Universe. In an ever-changing world, the problems we face often seem to be beyond our capacity to solve. As a result, we need to trust in God more and more.

David almost seems to begin this Psalm by talking to himself, reminding himself that he trusts in God. Even amid the most desperate moments of his life, David had found that he could trust in the God he worshipped. And, once again, as he pens this Psalm, David is in trouble. The exact cause of the crisis is unknown. So many times, David found himself struggling against a problem for which he had no answer. But it was in these moments that David needed to remind himself that he could trust in his God.

Charles Spurgeon makes this observation concerning Psalm 25.

"David is pictured in this Psalm as in a faithful miniature. His holy trust, his many conflicts, his great transgressions, his bitter repentance, and his deep distresses are all here; so that we see the very heart of 'the man after God's own heart'" (Charles Spurgeon).

David reminded himself that he could put his trust in God even in the midst of significant conflict. Many centuries later, the Union Army would face a desperate situation of their own, and then they would revive the motto to give morality and purpose to their struggle. In 1956, in the middle of a swiftly changing world, the nation would once again return to the idea of trusting in God as they fought their battles with a transforming culture. And it is still a motto that we need today. Regardless of the situation in which we find ourselves, or the opponent with whom we are required to battle, we can still place our trust in God. And regardless of where in the world we might live, we can still state with great emphasis, "In God We Trust," even if we are the only ones who are really listening.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Psalm 26 & 27

Personal Note: Happy Anniversary to my Dad and Mom.