There are a several factors to be considered when we choose to believe—or not—that God is present in the moments of our daily life:
Do I believe God exists?
Do I attribute certain events to luck, coincidence, or some passing random act of nature or humanity?
Have I believed in a Divine presence at one time, less so on other occasions?
Do I disbelieve or believe based on personal life experiences?
Let’s look at each of these in more detail.
Do I believe God exists? Many folks believe God exists and can describe a strong sense of connection to a “higher power”. Others aren’t so sure. And that’s okay. There is no right or wrong here as any potential encounter with the Divine is unique to each of us as individuals. Scripture—and history—are full of stories of saints and sinners alike whose relationship with God was birthed out of difficulties and challenges as well as hopes and joys.
Do I attribute certain events to luck, coincidence, fate, or some passing random act of nature or humanity? Our awareness of the Divine Presence usually evolves as we age. While I always believed in God, even as a child, my understanding of who and what God is in my life has changed significantly over time.
Whereas I viewed God as a distant, powerful being determined to judge and punish my every thought and action when I was a young woman, I’ve since learned how deeply God loves me. Which doesn’t mean some days aren’t hard and I wonder where he is. Divine grace, mercy, and love may not be visible to the human eye. They are, however, the blessings God desire to pour out upon us if only we are open to receive them.
Luck, coincidence, and fate are usually associated with the things of this world. Yet as we allow ourselves to grow—mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually—we discover there seems to be a larger plan at work than we could have ever dreamed or imagined.
Have I believed in a Divine presence at one time, less so on other occasions? As much as we would like it to not be true, life is unpredictable. Maybe your first sense of the Divine presence was being present for the birth of your children. For others, maybe the double-rainbow after a heavy thunderstorm is a sign of God’s presence.
The flip side of this coin, however, is more difficult to accept or comprehend. Where was God when a family member battled cancer? Or the next door neighbor family huddled in the corner of the basement as a tornado roared overhead and shattered the home that held so many precious memories?
Do I disbelieve or believe based on personal life experiences?
No matter our conception of God, most of us agree the Divine is not a magician or some kind of mysterious deity who randomly chooses to destroy people or things or shower others with a plethora of goodies.
Or do we? Bottom line—if you or I feel like we are victims of the choices, actions and behaviors of other people, institutions, or culture in general, we are likely less inclined to conceive of God as compassionate and loving. If my days seem to be filled with one struggle after another, it may not be easy to convince me God cares, or is present in any form.
So, if we are open to an encounter with God, just how do we discern the Divine Presence in everyday life? There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Nonetheless, these are some of the oft-cited descriptions of individual experiences:
. . . The beauty of nature, a fiery sunrise or sunset
. . . The smile of a child, spouse, or friend
. . . Physical touch of consolation or comfort
. . . A cascade of musical notes, played or sung
. . . An interior awareness of peace amid a crisis
It would be a mistake to suggest every sense we have of God’s presence occurs only in the joyful, bright moments of our hours and days. While those experiences are a wonderful blessing, the Divine wants us to know he will not abandon us as we journey through the darkest nights and our most difficult struggles:
If I say, “Surely darkness shall hide me, and night shall be my light”, darkness is not dark for you, and night shines as the day. Darkness and light are but one. [Psalms 139:11-12]
Maybe that is the one sure way to know we are not alone. Ever.
Is it hard for me to feel or sense God’s presence in daily life? Why?
Can I recall one moment or experience when I believed the Divine was present?
What if I were to ask God to make himself known to me?
