Steve Gaines

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let us remember that the greatest need of America today—and always—is God’s blessing. Even with a strong military, a strong economy, and a strong workforce, if we don’t have God’s favor, we really don’t have anything of genuine value.

America desperately needs the blessing of God’s pardon. God said to His people Israel in 2 Chronicles 7:13-14, “If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

We also need the blessing of God’s power to come upon God’s churches. We urgently need God’s power to come upon our government officials and upon our land that is so unrestrained and lawless. Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain.”

America will not make it without the blessing of God’s protection. Are you praying for God to put a holy hedge of protection around our cities, borders, schools, and churches? Psalm 20:7 says, “Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.” Yes, we need a strong military. But if we don’t have God’s protection, our military alone is not capable of protecting this country. Proverbs 21:31 says, “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord!”

Most importantly, America needs the blessing of God’s presence. In Exodus 33:16 Moses prayed a wonderful prayer. The New Living Translation gives this exquisite rendering: “How will anyone know that You look favorably on me and on Your people if You don't go with us? For Your presence among us sets Your people and me apart from all other people on the earth." Moses understood that the greatest blessing of all is the presence of God—at home or at church.

This Thanksgiving, and every day that God gives you life, won’t you thank Him for the blessings of His pardon, His power, His protection, and His presence?