Does God Hide Himself From Us Or Do We Ignore Him?

Prayer-Soldier

Does God Hide Himself From Us Or Do We Ignore Him?

Scripture:

And the spirit entered into me after that he spoke to me, and he set me upon my feet: and I heard him speaking to me, and saying: Son of man, I send you to the children of Israel, to a rebellious people, that has revolted from me, they, and their fathers, have transgressed my covenant even unto this day. And they to whom I send you are children of a hard face, and of an obstinate heart: and you shall say to them: Thus says the Lord God: If so be they at least will hear, and if so be they will forbear, for they are a provoking house: and they shall know that there has been a prophet in the midst of them.
(Ezekiel 2:2-5)

And lest the greatness of the revelations should exalt me, there was given me a sting of my flesh, an angel of Satan, to buffet me. For which thing thrice I besought the Lord, that it might depart from me. And he said to me: My grace is sufficient for you; for power is made perfect in infirmity. Gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. For which cause I please myself in my infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ. For when I am weak, then am I powerful.
(2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

And going out from thence, he went into his own country; and his disciples followed him. And when the sabbath was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were in admiration at his doctrine, saying: How came this man by all these things? and what wisdom is this that is given to him, and such mighty works as are wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joseph, and Jude, and Simon? are not also his sisters here with us? And they were scandalized in regard of him. And Jesus said to them: A prophet is not without honor, but in his own country, and in his own house, and among his own kindred. And he could not do any miracles there, only that he cured a few that were sick, laying his hands upon them. And he wondered because of their unbelief, and he went through the villages round about teaching.
(Mark 6:1-6)

Reflection:

The question of some is, ?Why does God hide himself from us?? The question makes the assumption that God must prove himself to our satisfaction, but it does not consider the responsibility we have as children of His creation to seek a relationship with Him. If we do not see Him in our lives, could it be because we have not only closed our eyes, but also our heart, such that we do not observe the many ways He works within our lives?

When we encounter what we cannot explain, we endeavor to find an explanation based upon scientific observation. We want to be able to make sense of what we experience. Our assumption is that only an explanation based on the assumptions of the scientific study of our environment will do, but do we consider, who made the laws of nature by which we seek to explain the order which exists within the chaos of the universe?

We see the miracles of nature, but because we are able to study them, we assume they simply exist and have no dependency upon God. The skeptic assumes there is always an explanation which does not require the hand of God.

God has placed so much in motion that we often do not see the forest for the trees. We assume that all which supports life exists simply by accident. We assume there was no intelligent design to our environment. We assume that all the laws of physics exist simply because they do.

Rather than marvel at the works of God, we take them for granted. We assign coincidence as the cause. Indeed, there are many coincidences; but when they begin to form a pattern, when they seem to call out for our attention, when they seem to nudge us in the direction of faith in Him, then, how can we assume simply the realm of accident?

For some, no act of God will open their heart, for they are committed to their denial. For others, because they have not closed their heart, they begin to observe and can no longer ignore. The more we study His scripture, receive the teachings of His Holy Church, and lift up our hearts in prayer; the more we open the door of our heart to Him; the more we open the door to a relationship with Him.

Some may question, ?Why does God reveal Himself to others but not to me?? Perhaps God might ask in return, ?Why do you ignore the many ways I have revealed Myself to the generations? Why won't you let me into your heart? Why do you hide your soul from me??

When our trials are few, we are tempted to believe, we are firmly in control. When we are able to solve our problems and provide for our needs, what need do we have of God? Do we assume that because we have the key by which we may start a car that there was no designer? Do we assume that because we are able to operate the controls that there was no builder? Do we assume the car simply came into existence without cause or purpose?

As our trials increase and we begin to observe our weakness in the face of our environment, we begin to question, how is it we survive? We should also question, how is it the generations have survived? Of course, we endeavor to help one another, but we did not create the world or the environment which provides for our sustenance; and so, we might be tempted to question, ?Is there a person behind all which is? Who raised the first children? Who gave them the laws by which they may establish a society of love for one another? Who gave them the intelligence by which they may interact and survive within their environment??

Once we see the evidence of our Creator, then, we should ask, ?What relationship should we seek with Him?? Throughout the generations, God has answered these questions, but will we endeavor to observe, endeavor to listen, and endeavor to comprehend?

If we do not wish to see the work of God, we shall not see it. If we deny Him, we might expect He will deny us. (cf. Matthew 10:33) Still, through His love for us, through His grace and mercy; God continues to hold out a hand to us. Through prayer, we can reach for it and receive His blessings.

Through listening to and reading His scripture, we may learn of Him. Through listening to the teachings of the Church instituted by His Holy Son (cf. Matthew 16:13-19), we may learn the good news of His Holy Word. Through living by His commandments, we may share the love He desires for us to share. Through prayer, we may build our relationship with Him. As we invite Him into our hearts, we will see Him more, day by day.

Questions for further reflection:

In what ways do we close our heart to our Creator?

In what ways may we open the door to a relationship with God?

In what ways may we observe the many ways God works within our lives?

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier