What Will Make America Be Great Again?

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD . . .” Psalm 33:12

There is so much unrest in the United States these days. There are riots and media wars throughout the land, and the political scene has become so distasteful it is embarrassing.

At one time, we had the respect of the entire world. Whether they liked us or not, at least they respected us and took us seriously. Now we are a laughing stock and a byword, and it is clear we are anything but blessed.

What has happened to us? I believe the answer is to be found in the Holy Bible. In Deuteronomy chapter 28:1-14, we read all of the blessings that are promised to us if we will just obey God and walk in His ways.

He said we would be blessed in the city and blessed in the field, that we would have large families and plenteous crops, that our livestock would be blessed and would multiply, and that our economy would be excellent. He said we would be blessed when we come in and when we go out and that we would be victorious over any enemy that should happen to rise against us.

He said that He would establish us as a holy people unto Himself and would make us the head and not the tail — if we would simply keep His commandments and walk in His ways.

If you will look at our national history, you will see that God kept His Word. We used to regard the Word of God highly. It was on the hallowed walls of government buildings, and it was taught in the public schools. It was quoted in numerous documents of our founding fathers, and in our national songs. Every town in America, however small, had a church, and that church was full every Sunday morning. Religious sentiment was the norm, not the exception — and for all of that, we were truly blessed. Within the span of a hundred years from the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we spread across and settled the entire width of this continent.

But somewhere along the way, we turned from the path of national blessing and in doing so lost our moral compass.

We no longer honor God’s Word. We no longer teach it in the public schools and we no longer permit it on public lands. Churches are closing their doors for lack of interest, and we are now the polar opposite of what we once were. Instead of enjoying the national blessings that come as the result of obedience to God, we are now living under the curses described in verses 15-68 of the same chapter. Read them and weep.

I love the idea of making America great again. But what will it take to make America great again? Will a wall on the border do it? Will more jobs do it? Will a stronger military do it? The answer is, none of the above.

DeTocqueville wrote: “I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbours and her ample rivers, and it was not there; in her fertile land and boundless prairies, and it was not there. Not until I went to the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”

So, America, if you want to be great again, you must turn back to the Lord your God. Nothing else will make America great again. Nothing. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14