Experiencing the Reality of God: A Journey Through Personal Encounter
Have you ever wondered how something that cannot be seen can become real for you? The concept of God is quite complex and can be harder to grasp than many physical phenomena. In essence, God's reality is not always about tangible proof but more about personal conviction and spiritual experience.
Understanding the Reality of God
There are two primary ways to approach the concept of God's reality. The first is the objective reality of God as a being—something that exists in the universe. The second is the subjective reality of God, or how we, as individuals, perceive and experience God. The latter often requires a reality check and personal experience before it can be truly understood.
God is described as a spirit, invisible yet omnipresent. The Bible cites verses such as Jeremiah 23:23-24, where it states, 'Am I a God who is only near, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see them? declares the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth?' Similarly, Job 33:4 declares, 'His life is in the hand of the most High; His spirit is with the Creator.' These verses emphasize that God's presence is everywhere and His spirit animates all life.
God's Reality Through Spiritual Experience
For believers, the reality of God is often experienced through personal encounters—moments that reaffirm their faith and belief. These encounters can be encountered in several ways, including retrospective analyses of everyday life, stories in books, historical events, nature, and through Scripture. As Romans 1:20 notes, 'For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.'
Many believe that these encounters, whether profound or subtle, are genuine. However, not all are accounted for these experiences. Some people may experience these moments but prefer to keep them to themselves due to fear of ridicule or perceived insignificance. Others may view such encounters as mere imagination or wishful thinking. Regardless, these experiences often leave a lasting impact on those who do encounter them.
A Personal Journey Through God's Presence
As a child of God, my life has been profoundly shaped by His influence. From my earliest memories, I can trace the hand of God in various events and experiences. His protection, presence, and glory have been evident in my life. However, articulating these experiences has proven challenging. Many of the events that form my journey are isolated incidents, which, when strung together, paint a picture of God's active and prescient role in my life.
Just as a series of random events can be explained in various ways, each event has a meaning only to me. When I recount my story to others, it is a personal journey and not a competitive endeavor. Some may be courageous enough to share their stories, while others may allow their personal biases and emotions to influence their reactions. And then, there are those who dismiss the idea altogether, regardless of how many times I emphasize that faith is a personal choice.
To conclude, the reality of God is best understood through personal experiences, and these moments provide a profound connection with the divine. Whether through direct encounters or subtle moments of realization, God's presence guides us and shapes our lives. As individuals, we must seek to understand and embrace these encounters to deepen our faith and relationship with God.