The Missing Factor In A $3 Trillion Debt

OK, I will be honest with you. In high school, I got a "C" in algebra. I admit I am not the sharpest tool in the math shed of life. However, I don't think I am the only American who is struggling with trying to get his mind around a $1 trillion national debt, much less a $3 trillion national debt.

There are a lot of opinions floating around as to whether this economic stimulus package will help us swim or cause us to drown. The Democrats and Republicans are mostly split on this issue. Most Americans agree government shouldn't be going on a shopping spree (special earmarks) when our nation is on the brink of another Great Depression. This is a time to be putting "country first," not taking care of political paybacks.

There was a popular bumper sicker (especially in Florida) that read, "I'm spending my children's inheritance." I thought it was funny. Today, government could place that same bumper sticker on the rescue bailout package "I'm spending my children's inheritance," except this time it's not funny.

I have heard the words of the wealthy from Warren Buffett to Donald Trump. But again, let me honest, no one really knows what we should do next. This is our financial 9/11.

Although I offer no insightful financial formula for getting us out of this magnanimous money mess, I do know the missing factor in the formula for our recovery: America minus God equals disaster. Have you heard anyone in a high-level government position calling on America to pray about our financial crisis? Has our president called on us as a nation to seek God for help? Hope you can believe in ultimately only comes from God.

One big difference between the Great Depression of 1929 and the potential Great Depression of 2009 is a lack of looking to God. From 1929 to 1933 suffering was a reality for millions of Americans. Many died of disease resulting from malnutrition. Thousands lost their home because they could not pay the mortgage. In 1932, at least 25,000 families and more than 200,000 young people wandered throughout the country seeking food, clothing, shelter and a job. Most of their meals consisted of soup, beans or stew. Destitute Americans begged for food or even ate scraps of food from garbage cans. Is this the place where we must come to as a nation before we will look to God for help?

As I watch CNN and FOX News, God seems to be ignored by the leaders of our land. Although the United States is still a major world power, I fear the days are numbered for this land I love if we stay of the same path we are pursing - America minus God. Many great empires have risen on the scene and now settle in the dust because they forsook God. Alexander Solzhenitsyn concluded: "If I were to formulate the main cause for the ruinous (Russian) revolution, I could not put it more accurately than to repeat: 'Men have forgotten God.'"

Has America forgotten about God?

I realize some readers could scoff that this is only simple-minded thinking. "Throwing up a prayer probably couldn't hurt, but we need real solutions." To which I would respond: We do need real solutions. But the first step for real recovery in America is looking to God as our first step - not our last option. Ask God to grant wisdom to our president and his financial advisers. Placing God in the formula is essential for America's recovery plan.

Throughout our 232 years as a nation, in times of great need, America's presidents have called for a national day of prayer (George Washington to Harry Truman to Ronald Reagan to George W. Bush). I hope we will be wise enough to realize that the present problems that plague our nation cannot be solved by politicians. Thankfully, God can do what government can't. God will work through our president and the political parties, but only if we look to Him.

America minus God will equal further disaster. But America plus God will equal success. The missing factor in our present financial crisis and the key to real recovery is found in Americans doing what we have always done before in our times of need - turn to and place our trust in God.