Why Is God Hidden?
Is God Hidden from Us?
In a world filled with skepticism and doubt, many question the existence of God. Some argue that if God were real, we would be able to see Him plainly. But is God truly hidden from us, or are we simply not looking in the right places?
The reality is that God's presence is evident all around us, if only we open our eyes to see it. There are three powerful ways we can recognize God's existence and involvement in our world:
1. Creation Attests to God
The Psalmist wrote, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork" (Psalm 19:1). When we take the time to truly observe the world around us, we cannot help but be in awe of its beauty and complexity.
From breathtaking sunsets painting the sky in vibrant hues, to majestic mountain ranges stretching as far as the eye can see, to the intricate design of a single snowflake - creation speaks of a masterful Creator. The diversity of landscapes, ecosystems, and living creatures all point to an intelligent designer who crafted each element with purpose and care.
Even in the vastness of Antarctica, with its stark beauty of endless ice and snow, we see evidence of God's handiwork. The Bible affirms God as the creator of all things throughout its pages. As it says in 1 Corinthians 8:6, "Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist."
God is not a distant deity who set the world in motion and then stepped away. Rather, He is intimately involved in sustaining His creation. As we read in Isaiah 42:5, "Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it."
2. God Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us
Perhaps the most compelling evidence that God is not hidden from us is the fact that He literally walked on this earth in human form. As John 1:14 tells us, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Jesus Christ, God incarnate, lived among humanity for over 30 years. His existence is attested to not only in the Bible but also in historical records outside of Scripture. Roman historians like Tacitus and Pliny, as well as the Jewish historian Josephus, all mention Jesus in their writings.
During His earthly ministry, Jesus performed countless miracles witnessed by multitudes. He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, made the lame walk, and even raised the dead. These were not parlor tricks done in secret, but public demonstrations of divine power.
After His death on the cross, Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to over 500 eyewitnesses. His resurrection forever changed the course of human history and launched a movement that continues to impact the world today.
Unlike the founders of other major world religions, Jesus claimed to be God in the flesh. His message was utterly unique - that He alone could reconcile sinful humanity to a holy God through His sacrificial death. This is a claim that only God Himself could make and fulfill.
3. God is Seen in Our Love for One Another
While we may not see God face to face in this present age, we can see evidence of His transforming work in the lives of His followers. As 1 John 4:19-21 tells us:
"We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."
When Christians truly grasp the immensity of God's undeserved love for them, it should radically transform how they relate to others. A community marked by sacrificial love, forgiveness, and grace stands out in stark contrast to the self-centeredness so prevalent in our world.
As followers of Christ love their enemies, care for the marginalized, and build each other up with words of grace, they reflect the very heart of God to a watching world. In a time of increasing division and hostility, there has perhaps never been a greater need for this kind of transformative love.
Practical Steps to See God More Clearly
If we want to recognize God's presence more fully in our daily lives, here are some practical steps we can take:
1. Cultivate a sense of wonder at creation. Take time to notice the beauty around you - from the majesty of nature to the intricacy of the human body. Describe what you see in detail, allowing yourself to be in awe of God's handiwork.
2. Immerse yourself in the life of Jesus. Make it a habit to regularly read the Gospels, reflecting on Christ's teachings and actions. Remember that God literally walked among us and showed us how to live.
3. Love others sacrificially. Look for opportunities to demonstrate God's love in tangible ways, especially to those who may be difficult to love. When we love as God loves us, we make His invisible qualities visible to the world.
In conclusion, God is far from hidden. His fingerprints are all over creation, His Son walked among us in history, and His love is on display through the transformed lives of His people. The question is not whether God has revealed Himself, but whether we have eyes to see and hearts open to recognize His presence.
As we cultivate greater awareness of God's reality in our lives, may we echo the words of the Psalmist: "I will sing of the goodness of God." For truly, His mercy never fails us, and all our days are held in His hands. Let us live with the constant awareness that we are surrounded by the goodness of our ever-present God.
God’s blessings,
In a world filled with skepticism and doubt, many question the existence of God. Some argue that if God were real, we would be able to see Him plainly. But is God truly hidden from us, or are we simply not looking in the right places?
The reality is that God's presence is evident all around us, if only we open our eyes to see it. There are three powerful ways we can recognize God's existence and involvement in our world:
1. Creation Attests to God
The Psalmist wrote, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork" (Psalm 19:1). When we take the time to truly observe the world around us, we cannot help but be in awe of its beauty and complexity.
From breathtaking sunsets painting the sky in vibrant hues, to majestic mountain ranges stretching as far as the eye can see, to the intricate design of a single snowflake - creation speaks of a masterful Creator. The diversity of landscapes, ecosystems, and living creatures all point to an intelligent designer who crafted each element with purpose and care.
Even in the vastness of Antarctica, with its stark beauty of endless ice and snow, we see evidence of God's handiwork. The Bible affirms God as the creator of all things throughout its pages. As it says in 1 Corinthians 8:6, "Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist."
God is not a distant deity who set the world in motion and then stepped away. Rather, He is intimately involved in sustaining His creation. As we read in Isaiah 42:5, "Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it."
2. God Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us
Perhaps the most compelling evidence that God is not hidden from us is the fact that He literally walked on this earth in human form. As John 1:14 tells us, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Jesus Christ, God incarnate, lived among humanity for over 30 years. His existence is attested to not only in the Bible but also in historical records outside of Scripture. Roman historians like Tacitus and Pliny, as well as the Jewish historian Josephus, all mention Jesus in their writings.
During His earthly ministry, Jesus performed countless miracles witnessed by multitudes. He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, made the lame walk, and even raised the dead. These were not parlor tricks done in secret, but public demonstrations of divine power.
After His death on the cross, Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to over 500 eyewitnesses. His resurrection forever changed the course of human history and launched a movement that continues to impact the world today.
Unlike the founders of other major world religions, Jesus claimed to be God in the flesh. His message was utterly unique - that He alone could reconcile sinful humanity to a holy God through His sacrificial death. This is a claim that only God Himself could make and fulfill.
3. God is Seen in Our Love for One Another
While we may not see God face to face in this present age, we can see evidence of His transforming work in the lives of His followers. As 1 John 4:19-21 tells us:
"We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."
When Christians truly grasp the immensity of God's undeserved love for them, it should radically transform how they relate to others. A community marked by sacrificial love, forgiveness, and grace stands out in stark contrast to the self-centeredness so prevalent in our world.
As followers of Christ love their enemies, care for the marginalized, and build each other up with words of grace, they reflect the very heart of God to a watching world. In a time of increasing division and hostility, there has perhaps never been a greater need for this kind of transformative love.
Practical Steps to See God More Clearly
If we want to recognize God's presence more fully in our daily lives, here are some practical steps we can take:
1. Cultivate a sense of wonder at creation. Take time to notice the beauty around you - from the majesty of nature to the intricacy of the human body. Describe what you see in detail, allowing yourself to be in awe of God's handiwork.
2. Immerse yourself in the life of Jesus. Make it a habit to regularly read the Gospels, reflecting on Christ's teachings and actions. Remember that God literally walked among us and showed us how to live.
3. Love others sacrificially. Look for opportunities to demonstrate God's love in tangible ways, especially to those who may be difficult to love. When we love as God loves us, we make His invisible qualities visible to the world.
In conclusion, God is far from hidden. His fingerprints are all over creation, His Son walked among us in history, and His love is on display through the transformed lives of His people. The question is not whether God has revealed Himself, but whether we have eyes to see and hearts open to recognize His presence.
As we cultivate greater awareness of God's reality in our lives, may we echo the words of the Psalmist: "I will sing of the goodness of God." For truly, His mercy never fails us, and all our days are held in His hands. Let us live with the constant awareness that we are surrounded by the goodness of our ever-present God.
God’s blessings,
Pastor Dave
Recent
Archive
2025
March
April
September
No Comments