Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways, acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Psalm 121:2 “My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.”
Article II, Section 1, Clause 8 of the United States Constitution states the following:
“Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation: — ‘I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.’”
On April 30, 1789 at our nation’s first Presidential Inauguration, Robert Livingston, the Chancellor of New York, administered that oath to our nation’s first president on the balcony of Federal Hall. Importantly, though, President Washington added a key phrase to the end of his oath – “So help me God!” This short phrase has since become the standard for all forms of public office, and was aligned with Washington’s inauguration speech that clearly indicated a complete reliance on our Lord. He recognized that he could only faithfully execute his office, and only preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution if he relied upon God.
Regardless of whether we have taken an oath for public office, we must call out “So help me God!” It is the only way we can properly live our lives. It is the only way we can discharge our duties. It is the only way we can have an impact. It is the only way we can fulfill our responsibilities.
PLEASE CALL OUT TO GOD FOR HELP, IN OUR LIVES AND IN THE LIVES OF OUR PUBLIC OFFICIALS. So help me God – President Washington called out for His help and so must we!
For a related thought, please read: https://prayatlunch.us/so-help-me-god/
