This week in America, we celebrate our 231st birthday as a nation. What a privilege it is to live in this great nation. There is not one American, regardless of any misfortune experienced, who should ever take for granted living in our country. If one travels periodically out of this nation, focus returns on how wonderful it is to live in America.

I am very weary of so many people, including Americans, who are so negative about our country. The democratic processes created by our forefathers permits “belief tensions” to exist. The challenge in this online world we live in is that we have instant news coming to us by the second. In one sense it is good, in that the news around the world is not related in a biased way to us as we can now “go there on the scene.” However, the challenge in this new day is that commentary is given by people who are not trained professionals and not by inside information people who know “the reality” of the situation. Therefore, at times, everything appears to be worse than it probably really is.

However, I am focused on the greatness of this nation. Yes, we have issues, sometimes, major issues. At times, doom and gloom is sensed by each of us; however, we do have a nation that “works through its difficulties” and when major crises come to our country, “the nation comes together to be a caring, loving people.” This nation is made up of people, not structures or systems. What makes America great is the people.

Of course, without apology, I am most optimistic about this nation because of our God in whom it was founded 231 years ago this week. This is what is important. This is what is critical. This is our hope. God has a great investment into this country. Yes, moral and spiritual matters need to be dealt with in this nation, but we must remain optimistic in our God who can bring about spiritual revival and a moral revolution. Therefore, my friend, let’s be optimistic about what our God can do with our nation today and potentially over the course of the future.

We must do so for the NEXT generation . . .