It’s been a tumultuous week for President Trump – the firing of James Comey, a myriad of supposed constitutional crises, staff hiding in the shrubbery. The endless comparisons to Nixon and Watergate by the media. It’s been a mess.

So, he got the heck out of Dodge today and headed to Lynchburg, Va., to deliver the commencement address at Liberty University. He, of course, took the opportunity to needle his critics:

“The fact is, no one has achieved anything significant without a chorus of critics standing on the sidelines explaining why it can’t be done,” Trump told the crowd in Lynchburg, Virginia, in what was his first commencement speech as president. “Nothing is easier or more pathetic than being a critic…The future belongs to the people who follow their heart no matter what the critics say because they truly believe in their vision.”

Liberty University is an evangelical institution that had warmly welcomed candidate Trump during the campaign, so Trump took the opportunity to repay in kind with a very pro-religious liberty message:

“In America we don’t worship government, we worship God.”

The Washington Times reports, “[Trump] noted the prominent reverence given to God throughout U.S. history, from the prayers of pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock to the oath of office taken by every elected officials and the words recited in the Pledge of Allegiance.”

“As long as I’m president, nobody will stop you from practicing your faith.”

After eight long years of the Obama administration chipping away at religious freedom, President Trump’s message is a very welcome one. Christians have longed for an ally in the Oval Office, and Trump may well be an answer to their prayers. He has already reversed Obama-era abortion regulations, and just over a week ago signed an executive order expanding religious freedoms for churches. There is much work yet to be done to undo all the harm inflicted by Obama, but indications are that Trump takes religious liberty very seriously.

People of faith should celebrate Donald Trump’s message today.