I cannot prove that God exists. Nor can I provide compelling arguments for why a person should believe in the existence of a creator God. But I do believe and am convinced that God exists and that he has a purpose for my existence. What follows is a sometimes light-hearted attempt to express just why I believe. I do not expect that these reasons will be compelling to one who does not currently believe in God. But hopefully, they will give some insight into why at least one person is a believer.
My Past
I have accepted that God exists for as long as I can remember. I have believed in God for the past 50+ years. To me, the difference between accepting that God exists and believing in him is that belief requires some action on my part. In the past 50+ years, I have sought to make God a part of my life. Today, I look back at that 50-year journey and believe I can see God working in my life. And I can remember the encounters I have had with him. To a large extent, my past serves as the foundation for my present.
My Daily Experience
Today, as with almost every other day, I felt the need to talk with God and to listen for him. God is a part of who I am and gives purpose to my existence. I am what I am today because of him.
Friends
Over the years, I have had a number of friends, as opposed to acquaintances. The vast majority of them were churchgoers. There have been some of them with the same relationship with God that I have. And others with a relationship that I could only dream of having. Their presence, and our shared experience, remind me that God is not just a figment of my imagination. But it is something that I share with others as well.
Believers Throughout History
There are a great many examples over the past 2000 years of people who have given their lives for their belief in God. Foxes Book of Martyrs is one compilation of the faith of some early believers in Christ and the price they paid. There are many other accounts as well. It was a very real thing to them and worth dying for. They encourage me.
The Bible
This collection of writings has been an integral part of my life for the past 50+ years. I have read some parts of it easily 100 times, and all of it at least 30, memorizing large portions of it. These writings speak to my heart and shape what I believe about God and his purpose. While technically, I do not believe in him because of the Bible, it does dramatically affect what I believe about him.
More Sense than the Alternative
A universe that was purposefully put into place by a creator makes more sense to me than one that happened accidentally. While I do not know why God exists, his involvement in this universe provides an answer to the big ‘why’ questions for me. Why the universe, and myself, exist.
It is Rational
There are a number of ‘proofs’ for the existence of God. However, I believe they are really only effective for one who already believes or is looking for a reason to believe. But they do tell me that belief in God is at least a logical possibility and that it is not irrational to believe in a creator.
Comfort
Maybe not the best reason in the world. But I am happy believing in God, and it comfortably fits into who I am.
Why Not?
No one has yet provided me with a compelling reason not to believe in God.
It Irritates Atheists
And finally, in order to make this an even 10, it appears to bug atheists, getting them all lathered up. Just as much as the thought of atheism does to most who take it for granted that God exists. And, just in case your irony meter is broken, this one is a lame attempt at a joke.
