Where to Place Your Trust

In November 1861, in the early days of the U.S. Civil War, Federal Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase received a letter from Reverend M.R. Watkinson that challenged Chase to think about “the recognition of the Almighty God in some form on our coins.” Facing the possibility that the war would shatter the union “beyond reconstruction,” Watkinson wondered if “succeeding centuries” might reason “that we were a heathen nation.”

Seven days later, Chase wrote to the director of the Philadelphia mint: “No nation can be strong except in the strength of God or safe except in His defense. The trust of our people in God should be declared on our national coins.” It was Chase who decided that U.S. coins and bills should be imprinted, “In God We Trust.” They remain so, to this day.

Chase had been a skeptical student when he made the commitment to follow Jesus during a revival that broke out at Dartmouth College in 1826. That April he wrote, “It has pleased God in His infinite mercy to bring me…to the foot of the Cross and to find acceptance through the blood of His dear Son.”

Today, the financial community may remember Salmon Chase because of “Chase Manhattan,” the bank that bears his name. But anyone looking at American currency can remember him for helping to confirm our need to trust in God, as individuals and as a nation.

The Bible reminds us to make God our refuge and fortress and to trust only in Him. Remember this truth. Trust Him for your health and finances, your safety and family, for direction and guidance. In every area of life, you can trust in Him!