"One nation, under God…" This famous, yet sometimes controversial, statement is included in the American Pledge of Allegiance. Yet it seems more evident with every passing year that my nation and many other nations around the world are increasingly reluctant to consider themselves as nations "under God."

In today's high-speed society of technological wonders and instant worldwide information at our fingertips, it seems there is little time for a personal relationship with God. We seem to not "need" Him anymore, so if He would just conveniently stay in the background and leave us alone, that would be fine with us.

Many parents are all too familiar with their children talking back to them, yelling, "You can't tell me what to do!" These children apparently forget that all that they have in life is provided to them by their parents. The same thing is true with our spiritual Father. Do we shake our finger at Him and shout, "You can't tell me what to do"? Are we like rebellious little children who won't listen to their Father who knows what is best for His children?

In the Holy Bible, Deuteronomy chapter 28 speaks of national blessings and of national curses that would come on a nation based on whether they obey or disobey the law of God.

For example we read in verses 1 and 2: "Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God."

The incredible blessings then listed seem to describe the prosperous conditions experienced by nations that once had an affinity for the Bible—the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia and many Western European nations. These nations have experienced unparalleled wealth and prosperity especially in the 20th century.

But it seems things are changing now. What has happened? Could it be related to our increasing disbelief in the Creator God and disobedience to His law as outlined in the Bible?

Notice the curses for disobedience mentioned in Deuteronomy 28:20: "The Lord will send on you cursing, confusion, and rebuke in all that you set your hand to do, until you are destroyed and until you perish quickly, because of the wickedness of your doings in which you have forsaken Me."

A closer reading of this chapter should make us stop and reflect on whether this applies to our modern nations today or not. Could it be that our national and international problems actually have a solution as simple—and as profound—as turning to God for deliverance? Some believe this to be true and are calling for a day of national repentance on May 1. Many influential leaders of the United States are asking citizens to participate in "May Day 2010: A Cry to God for Our Nation in Distress." (Note the double meaning of Mayday, an international signal word used as a distress call, from the French m'aider, "help me.")

These leaders recognize our nation has not been relying on God for His blessings, and we are indeed paying the price of our neglect of God and godly standards. There are many who agree we need to change our ways, acknowledge our sins and yield to God's direction for our lives—individually and as a nation. This may be our only hope as we see our nation perilously close to economic and ethical collapse.

Most people in the United States and other nations probably won't repent—it doesn't seem likely in this age of secularism and intolerance toward religion. But you can. You can make changes in your own life. You can experience on a personal basis the incredible blessings of God. And these personal changes are part of God's plan that will have a positive ultimate impact on this world. You need to understand this life-changing process. Read our online booklet Transforming Your Life: The Process of Conversion.