You know deep down this is true

Photo by Greg Rakozy

You don't need someone to give you evidence that there is a God. You know deep down that there must be more to life than meets the eye. The complexity, the magnitude, the beauty. It's just too much.

I know because I felt that way. I know because others have told me they felt that way. I know because even the Bible says as much.

I started following Jesus when I was 26, and although there were periods in my life when I would have identified as an atheist because that was a trending topic at the time, I would say that for most of my life, I defaulted to an innate belief in a generic God. And I was not raised with any religion whatsoever.

I remember moments when I was very young, when I was in a time of difficulty, I said quick prayers to an unknown God, hoping there was someone out there listening. As I grew older, I started asking bigger questions: what is life for, why am I here, and is there a God? And as I have talked to more people like me, many have expressed similar thoughts. Such a default belief is hardwired into our DNA.

And even the Bible points things out like this:

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. (Romans 1:19-20)

And this:

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds;
there is none who does good. (Psalm 14:1)

But generic belief in a generic “God” is one thing.  Faith/trust in the God of the Bible is another thing altogether. This is why knowing Jesus is so important. It's like the difference between being an orphan and living with parents who love and know you.

That God you know who is out there, who not only created all things and holds them together but also knows you more intimately than you know yourself—that’s Jesus. Yes, he is the Son of God, but he is also God. And his Father has given him authority over all creation. The Father even created the world through Jesus.

This is why Jesus says:

I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

The God you know is out there. To know him personally, you need to know Jesus. Draw near to Jesus, and he will draw near to you.