HopeFul Reflections

It’s common to hear people ask “Why doesn’t God simply reveal Himself to us?” It’s a fair question, and one that I feel deserves examination. I feel it has two parts to examine.

1. First, what would happen if He revealed himself to us?
2. The second part is how is our faith affected by believing without the reveal.
3. What then are we to look to strengthen our faith?

1) First, I would want to argue that if God revealed himself to us, while it would be easier for nonbelievers to see him, there is an effect that such a presence would have. Consider the case of when you were a child and your father returned home. Even if you were playing around after you had completed your chores, you made sure to be more careful simply because you knew that your father was around. The consequences of what would happen if you broke that vase that was there all day were ever more real. When we take the simple case of the head of the household being around, we see that their presence causes us to change and of course it can even be argued for the better. However, does that not imply that we only acted thusly due to the stress of that presence and not because we wish to do good.

2) If God were to make himself visible to us, we would most likely obey without question due to His presence. If we were to believe despite not being able to see Him, then I feel that speaks more to our faith. Furthermore, it makes us believe in his plans and his strength more deeply. We believe more deeply because we must. In allowing us to choose to believe in him or not, we can exercise our free will. This strength in character of a person who acts righteously due to their own morals rather than under duress is far greater.

3) This can logically make us wonder, how then are we to experience God. I personally believe it is in his art. Artists cannot create in passion without their personality shining through their work. All of creation is his art. The way he made love, joy, and kindness for example show His greatness. The earth and all its inhabitants are His art. That friend’s smile, that baby’s laugh, that neighbor’s inspiring story, the enduring landscape, the sound of thunder, and the beauty of rain are His. Choose to see God in all things.

Choosing to see God when I have felt alone has brought me strength beyond what I knew I had. Rather than feeling I had to physically visit my Father, I knew he was constantly with me during my greatest struggles. His teachings and his words are what brought me comfort when I struggled at work or studying for my degrees. This feeling that I am on my own now is similar to when you send your child out into the world with all the tools they need. There is no way for them to realize they are well equipped without trials and problems to solve. However, once they have passed these trials they are greater for it. I have become greater for having my faith tested.

Choose to seek God in all things. He makes himself visible to us through his creation and his Holy word. When you seek him you are rewarded for your faith through the development of your character. Keep His word close to your heart. Heed His wisdom in all your days. Cherish his gifts. Rejoice because you yourself are one of his gifts.

-JKG