Faith in America’s Capital

Written By Jan Grubbs

We have a tradition in our family. When a grandchild becomes a teenager, they are allowed to choose somewhere in the United States they want to go with my husband and me. This past summer we were blessed to take two of our grandboys to Washington, DC. There was lots of planning and excitement over this trip because of all the sites we anticipated seeing.

The foremost item on our list was “The Museum of the Bible”. It is a multi-story, state of the art building with much to see. In one section we entered a room where it suddenly darkened, a video screen appeared, and the floor beneath us started to move. It felt like we were flying over Washington, experiencing a magic carpet ride. It gave us the sense of entering or flying over and around different buildings, landmarks and national monuments.

During this ride over our capital city, it opened my eyes to all the carved scripture, Christian references, symbols, imagery written in public view, and paintings depicting Christianity. Millions of people pass these sights and never notice the hand of God displayed all over Washington, DC. I believe it is a reminder to us that our forefathers, having divine inspiration, placed spiritual things all around the capitol of this country.
Below are a few examples:

  • The Washington Monument-leading to the top of the monument, numerous scriptures are carved upon the walls. On the cap of the monument are the Latin words, “Laus Deo” which means “Praise be to God”.

  • Both the Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Memorial show our spiritual heritage vividly with numerous Bible verses and religious acknowledgements carved on memorial blocks in the walls.

  • Carved in stone at the top of the Supreme Court Building is Moses, holding the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments are found in many federal buildings across Washington, D. C., including a bronze inlay on the floor of the National Archives.

  • Religious artwork is found throughout the United States Capitol, including the Capitol Rotunda where two statues of Christian men representing their states are displayed and paintings such as Pocahontas being baptized artfully depict Christianity.

  • The Library of Congress has The Giant Bible of Mainz and The Gutenberg Bible on prominent and permanent display. Scriptures are carved in stone on the walls of various rooms.

There are many examples of our founding fathers’ faith. John Adams wrote a letter to his wife, Abigail, after the Declaration of Independence was signed. It states, “It ought to be commemorated as a day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.” The fact that U. S. currency includes “In God We Trust” on various denominations speaks loudly to our godly spiritual heritage.

Before our trip, I could not help but wonder about the decline of morality in our country. Many have asked me if God was removing His hand off this country. There is much to be concerned about, but I now believe the Lord still has His hand on America, no matter how dire everything seems to be. The recent holy awakening at Asbury and other college campuses express God is still anxious to show His power in America.

History testifies of the faith of our founding fathers who stated, “One Nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all”. Take heart my dear friends, our country has gone through many years of troubles, but one thing is clear, no matter what is happening around us, His faithfulness to believers clearly states God is in control of our destiny.

Government’s purpose is to promote good and to restrain evil. Following God and His scriptures is the best way to do that. America has always been a beacon to other countries, and we need our Heavenly Father to continue reigning blessings upon this country. “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;” (Psalm 121:1-3 NIV).

George, the boys, and I, came away with a new perspective about our country. We were pleased to see the godly illustrations throughout our capital city. We must all ask God to direct how we can best exert our influence as a believer to release the power of God on our country once again.

Let’s pray:

Lord, Job expresses words so well. “(I)Look up at the heavens and see; gaze at the clouds so high above you, (me)” (Job 35:5 NIV). I know from your mountain top You are watching and waiting to hear our voices of praise and petition. I am confident that You are in control no matter how dim things look. I put my confidence that You hold us in Your right hand, and You will not allow us to slip. My worries and concerns for this country lay at Your feet through prayers by me and others. I call upon You, Sovereign Lord, to convict and guide us. When the negative is spoken, I put my trust in You. I repeat Your words in scripture, “Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is our refuge for us” (Psalm 62:8 NKJV). Praise You Lord. Amen

Jan Grubbs
I’m a Bible teacher, author, and speaker, and I am passionate about connecting women to Jesus.

When I was growing up, my dad used to say, “Every day is a new day to Jan,” and it’s true. No matter what happened the day before, every day is new to me. Like you, I’ve had some great highs and some very difficult lows. In those hard times, Jesus always holds and comforts me. 

If you would have told my mother I would become a writer, she would have gotten so tickled. She was a very particular English teacher, and everything I wrote made her want to pull her hair out! I was a “life is a bowl of cherries” kind of a girl. Fun, carefree, and the life of the party, I met my straight-laced, Baptist future husband at 18. We married at 20 and began going to church. I went through the motions, but I became a true believer at 24.

I love teaching women the Bible and seeing the light bulb come on. One time, I was preparing to speak to a group of women leaders, when I asked the Lord what to teach on. Immediately, He gave me the picture of us being the Bride of Christ. I am a hopeless romantic, so this spoke to my heart. I dove into studying Jesus as our Bridegroom, and it wooed me into a more intimate relationship with Him. 

My husband always says I am full of surprises. No one is as surprised as we are that I’m writing, but Jesus isn’t surprised. He took my love for Him, my love for the Word, my love for women, and turned it into this ministry.

Each of us has hidden qualities that Jesus is waiting to bring out. As you linger here and enjoy my writing, I hope you come to understand Jesus as your Bridegroom and the depth of love He has for you. 

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