The Living God

by Pastor Holly Johnson

Many people ask, “What is the nature of external reality, what is truth regarding the world around us?” I believe that God created our universe and all that it contains. At a very early age, my parents read Bible storybooks to me and presented the wonderful story of creation. In later years, as I was presented with the theory of evolution, I had a firm belief system and was not swayed. I see God as a loving, personal creator who desires to be involved in every area of our lives. Since Satan’s fall from heaven, he has tried to create enmity between God and man, attempting to convince man that God is some “old, bearded figurehead” on an ethereal throne who does not care about the intimate details of our lives. This mindset has caused many to deny the very existence of God. Contrarily, I see God as personal, loving, and very interested in our lives. However, he allows us the free will to invite Him to participate in our destinies and will not take part if He is unwelcome. If we close Him out, he respectfully remains at a distance wooing us with a still small voice of love. Yet if we open our hearts to Him, we can enjoy his fellowship. He has created a magnificent universe in which we can take pleasure. Who can examine the beauty of an exotic tiger lily or the magnificence of a rushing river without seeing the handiwork of the Almighty? I cannot imagine experiencing the birth of a child without experiencing God’s presence. When I take time to stop and examine nature, I see God. When I am overwhelmed, the Lord so often comforts me with His creation. From a playful puppy, to the beautiful song of the birds in the early morning hours, for me it is impossible to look at creation without recognizing the Creator. The world’s operations are ordered by God to the extent that we allow them to be. A world without Christ is chaotic and pointless. There would be much less turmoil in our world if everyone submitted his personal “worlds” to God. He does not bring confusion, but always offers clarity and purpose to each situation. Our futures are secure in His hands, but are very chaotic if left in our own. Our hope, our joy, and our strength are truly in Him. We have been created for His pleasure, and our desire should be that we might consistently be pleasing to Him!