Happy Thanksgiving America's Brightest Days Are Ahead

This Thanksgiving, let us pause and give thanks to Almighty God for His abundant blessings, His mercy, and His enduring faithfulness. As we gather with family and friends around our tables, it's easy to be discouraged by the challenges our nation faces. Many voices in our world today would have us believe that America's best days are behind us-that division, moral decay, and uncertainty define our future. But I say to you: America's best days are not behind us. They are ahead of us-because of our faith in the God who has never failed His people.

This season also traditionally marks National Bible Week, brought into observance in 1941 by Franklin D. Roosevelt, when we celebrate the Word of God and its impact on our lives and our nation. The Bible has been a source of comfort, strength, and guidance for countless Americans throughout history. Let us take this opportunity to dive deeper into Scripture, reflecting on its timeless wisdom and sharing its truths with others. As we read and honor God's Word, we are reminded that His promises are steadfast, and His love for us endures forever.

The Word of God reminds us of this great truth: "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" (Psalm 33:12). Throughout our history, it has been our trust in Him that has carried us through wars, economic trials, and great societal change. It is this same trust in God that will lead us forward.

Yes, there are challenges-but our hope is not in politicians, policies, or worldly systems. Our hope is in the One who holds the heavens and the earth in His hands "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11). Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, who promises us that even in the storm, He will never leave us or forsake us.

As we gather this Thanksgiving, let us pray for revival in our nation-that hearts will turn back to God, that our churches will boldly proclaim the truth, and that our leaders will seek His wisdom. "If My people who are called by My name 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). This is our prayer. This is our promise.

Today, I also ask you to prayer for President Donald J. Trump and our newly elected leaders in the Senate, and the House of Representatives. Ask the Lord to grant them wisdom, humility, and courage as they lead. May they seek God's guidance in every decision they make, always remembering that their authority comes not from men but from above. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously" (James 1:5). Let us pray that each leader leans on the everlasting arms of our Savior for strength.

No matter what the headlines say, we serve a God who is greater than any challenge we face. Let us walk forward in faith, knowing that His light will shine through the darkness, and His purposes for America will not be thwarted.

This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to give thanks not just for the blessings you see, but for the blessings yet to come. America's best days are ahead-because we trust in

the God of all creation. "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever" (Psalm 136:1).

May God bless you and your family this Thanksgiving, and may God bless America!

Perry O Hooper Jr is a former State Representative who writes columns on his political perspective and has been published in a number of publications around Alabama and beyond. He was an early supporter of Donald Trump and was the 2016 Trump Victory Chair.

Opinions expressed in the Alabama Gazette are the opinions and viewpoints of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Alabama Gazette staff, advertisers, and/ publishers.