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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Having just come through the 250 th celebration of America, I feel a sense of great doubt that our nation will likely make it another 250. I fight this pessimism but the reality seems clear. How can we overcome doubt when something seems so inevitable? – D.A.

A: Answers to life’s dilemmas cannot be found in political parties or government institutions. God created government to obey the laws of God. When He is left out of decisions made on behalf of the people, sin abounds. Politics cannot solve our problems nor is humanitarian work the answer. Social reform is not the solution. Education is not the answer; we have more college graduates than ever before. The solution will not be discovered by the United Nations, for it has solved few of our problems and has proven helpless. Our hope is not in a higher standard of living.

An American president once commented, “The only hope is a spiritual reawakening.” A U.S. congressman once said, “Most of our present-day troubles are due to the fact that we have forgotten the faith of our fathers and no longer do we, as a nation, follow in the footsteps of the Lord.”

The Bible says, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14, NKJV). America has so many battles that we should be driven to prayer. Our government leaders need prayer. Our schools need prayer. Our families need prayer. Let’s raise the flag of our national pride and return to our foundation, and remember what the psalmist wrote: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12, NKJV).

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2026 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.