“Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭6‬ ‭CSB‬‬

I’m currently reading The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell, a book that includes people who travel to a distant galaxy and encounter aliens. The language of the aliens has an interesting feature. Their words for something non-visual (like the wind, or God, or a mythical creature) are the same as for something that is not currently present but can normally be seen (like a friend who is away on a trip or an item in another room).

The reason I bring that up is because this kind of language might be helpful in referring to God. He is like a friend whom I just can’t see. Like the wind or the air, He is here but definitely non-visual to me. So it requires faith to believe He exists.

When a friend leaves the room, I can’t see her anymore. She is now non-visual, but I believe she continues to exist. I can please her by making her a cake to enjoy upon her return. I wouldn’t make her a cake if I didn’t believe she existed.

I can’t see God right now, but I can please Him by loving people. (He told me He would really enjoy that.) I wouldn’t bother trying to please Him if I didn’t believe He existed.

One day God will reveal Himself to me, and all who believe. We will be rewarded with visuals, with complete understanding of God. (See 1 Corinthians 13:12.) I really look forward to that day. And on that day I’d love to know I spent my non-visual days pleasing Him.

Dear God,

Thank you for your promise to reveal yourself to those who have faith during this non-visual time. I know you exist even though I can’t see you. I want to please you. Forgive me for my doubts and failures and dark moments when you seem far. Thank you for the ways you remind me of your existence in non-visual ways. Please continue to do so!