By Randy Garrison

For the Enquirer

These words have been on my mind the past few days. Now I know many of us have heard this song as comforting words at a funeral, but with all that is happening in the world, I find even more comfort in the words now. 

I’m kind of homesick for a country 

To which I’ve never been before. 

No sad goodbyes will there be spoken 

For time won’t matter anymore. 

Beulah Land, I’m longing for you 

And some day on thee I’ll stand. 

There my home shall be eternal. 

Beulah Land – Sweet Beulah Land 

I’m looking now across the river 

Where my faith will end in sight. 

There’s just a few more days to labor. 

Then I will take my heavenly flight. 

Even though so many want God and His word out of our government, this nation was founded for one reason: to escape religious tyranny. The men and women who came to the shores of what is now America wanted freedom to worship God and not be told how to worship. 

“One Nation Under God” is still reverberating throughout this land, and I believe it will continue until God calls an end to this world. This nation and the world as a whole will face trials and tribulations, just as the nation of Israel did so many years ago – but I believe God has a purpose for the United States, and regardless of what might happen politically or otherwise, He still controls our future. I believe God will continue to bless our nation and its people. 

We all need to continue to pray for our nation and its leaders.  

However, all throughout scripture, we are reminded this world is not our final destination. I think many times, especially with what we see happening these days, God is trying to instill in us to trust Him, keep the faith and lean on Him. 

We can’t lay up treasures here or depend on a man or a political party to make things right and just.  

His word also tells us many times to “fear not;” now, that does not mean we should not be concerned and act accordingly, but I am trying each day to keep my eye on the real prize and the ultimate victory – when He sets everything right once and for all. 

These words from a favorite song also help when times get tough: 

“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!” 

However, I do not think we are to just sit around waiting for the trumpet to sound or to be called home. The apostle Paul warned the early churches about this in his letters to several. We need to work hard each day, pray for guidance and wisdom and live our lives so that His light shines through to bring others into the kingdom. 

I am blessed to be an American, an Alabamian and a citizen of Hartselle, and I love our nation, state and city, but my faith is in our Savior. I read the last chapter: He wins, and we as His children share in that victory.  

Jesus paid the price for us to be heirs to His eternal kingdom.  

I do not mean this to sound self-righteous; it’s just something that was on my heart this week that I wanted to share. 

God is good – all the time.