There is a God!

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).  Many of us would recognize that this is the first verse in the Bible.  That is, this is how the Scriptures open or begin.  It is interesting to note that the Bible does not begin by arguing for the existence of God.  In fact, nowhere in the Scriptures will one find such an argument or proof text.  The fact that He exists is a presupposition to His revelation.  The Scriptures are written from this perspective, i.e. that those reading them understand and accept that He just is.

There is a God.  This we know and that truth, settled in our hearts, need not be shaken in our minds by questions we cannot answer.  After all, what kind of God would he be if we understood his ways?  He would be a god of our own making – one that we could change to suit our purpose as each circumstance required or feeling dictated.  Pathetically, he would be no greater than our own limitations.  Thankfully, this is not the case.    The Scriptures declare, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).  This God – our God – is infinite.

Yet he has chosen to make himself known to us.  Through his word and by his Son he has declared himself and invites all to know him.  Take that in – he wants us to know him and has made it possible for us to do so.  This great God who, the Scriptures tell us, “inhabits eternity” willingly chooses to dwell with” those of a contrite and humble spirit” (Isaiah 57:15).  But we live our lives from day to day scarcely acknowledging his presence.  We live in his world and enjoy his benefits often with ungrateful hearts.  We ignore David’s admonishment, “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1).

We ignore him at our own peril.  Rather, may we acknowledge his presence, submit to his purpose, and embrace his person.  Knowing him begins with coming to him on his terms (not ours) by his Son.  That requires faith.  Those who so come will not be disappointed.  The author of Hebrews relates to his readers, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).