When I was a child I used to play with a large plastic punching bag that was weighted at the bottom. You could hit this figure all day long and it would bounce right back into an upright position.

I have thought about the resilience of this toy as I have watched the global financial crisis unfold in recent weeks. The loss of wealth has been staggering. The Bank of England estimated that by the end of October $2.8 trillion had evaporated from world financial ledgers.

But when you consider the U.S. economy is valued at over $14 trillion, you see there is still a lot of wealth left over, especially in America. Now I have to confess, I have no concept of how much $1 trillion is, much less $14 trillion. These are numbers with a lot of zeroes behind them. But what I do know is America is a vastly wealthy country and it can take, and has taken, a big hit and can bounce back. As I write, that appears to be what is happening even as the country seems to be settling into a long recession.

Don't mistake what I am saying. There will be more bad news ahead for major U.S. companies. Many workers will lose their jobs. There will be some hard times ahead. But the U.S. economy is very large, very deep and very entrenched in the global world. It is not going away overnight, and it will be around for some time yet, even if in a different role in relation to the rest of the world.

America's wealth is staggering. There has been nothing like it in all history—a land of bounty stretching from sea to sea. A land with vast forests, mineral-rich lands and waterways traversing the continent, all waiting to build a powerful country. Rich fields waiting for the plow and seed that would feed a growing nation and spill over to feed a hungry world. And all of this, as an American president once said, waiting as if by the preparation of God for the right time and people.

Indeed it was.

America fits the description in the book of Micah. "Then the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many peoples, like dew from the LORD, like showers on the grass, that tarry for no man nor wait for the sons of men. And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among flocks of sheep, who, if he passes through, both treads down and tears in pieces, and none can deliver. Your hand shall be lifted against your adversaries, and all your enemies shall be cut off" (Micah 5:7-9).

America's military, economic and political power is a wonder of the modern world. Those who study the geopolitics of the modern world do grasp this undeniable fact. It is why the nation has been able to absorb the shock of the current financial meltdown. Other nations would have gone under from such a loss. But, like that punching bag toy I used to play with, America keeps bouncing back.

Few comprehend that God is the true source of this tremendous wealth. He promised Abraham blessings that could not be counted. Those with eyes to see can view this reality today. I give God thanks that this nation has been able to weather the storm thus far. I pray we may learn humility and gratitude before it is too late. I know that God has blessed this land for His purpose. It remains for us to submit ourselves to His care and mercy.

Much has changed since last Thanksgiving. But there is still much to be thankful for. Think about the abundance we have. Remember it all comes from God. Lastly, pray for a restoration of true thanksgiving toward God, the source of every nation's wealth.

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