Thanksgiving’s secret: how revering God fuels America’s prosperity, by Olabode Opeseitan

It’s Thanksgiving in the United States of America, a day specially set aside by the world’s largest economy to honor God.

It is the only country in the world, alongside Liberia, a nation established by formerly enslaved African Americans, that dedicates a national day to thank the God of Abraham.

Proud of its affinity with the Creator of the universe, the United States also inscribes this reverence boldly on its currency with the proclamation, “In God We Trust.”

Trust is the central essence of faith, and through this declaration, the founding fathers of America communicated to citizens and the world that the nation’s faith in God is unshaken.

Research indicates that America has thrived during periods of stronger national trust in God. Historical economic booms, such as post-World War II growth and the prosperity era of the 1950s, when “In God We Trust” was prominently emphasized, correspond with increased social cohesion, trust, and innovation, with religion contributing $1.2 trillion annually to the US economy through institutions, volunteering, and ethical behaviors.

These connections highlight that faith can reinforce resilience and collective purpose, enabling a nation to overcome challenges and innovate boldly.

Even with recent trials, the United States stands as a robust example of a nation that flourishes because it trusts the Lord.The United Kingdom echoes this heritage with its coins featuring the monarch’s motto, “Dieu et mon droit” (“God and my right”), a reminder of the divine right of kings and Christianity’s role in its history and governance.

While the UK’s economic power has evolved with secular trends, such acknowledgments remind us of how spiritual allegiance can intertwine with national strength.

Nigeria offers a contemporary example of this spiritual focus through initiatives like Nigeria Pray and nationwide prayer movements by groups such as Pray4Nigeria and the Pentecostal Fellowship, mobilizing united efforts for peace, unity, governance wisdom, and economic transformation, principles that can underpin national blessings and development.

Nations that trust in God open themselves to profound blessings: as Proverbs says, “Righteousness exalts a nation.” This trust nurtures peace, justice, and innovation, creating a fertile environment for prosperity.

Psalm 33:12 affirms, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,” along with stability and unity amid adversity. Faith fosters moral clarity, social cohesion, and visionary leadership, foundations for a flourishing society.

History repeatedly shows that when nations humble themselves before God and seek His guidance, transformational blessings follow, from the post-war resurgence of the United States and Germany to Israel’s enduring survival and innovation.

Nigeria’s growing prayer movements present a hopeful model for harnessing faith as a catalyst for national restoration and progress, inviting all nations to rediscover the power of trusting in God.