GOD: A SOURCE OF CONVICTION

Sometimes in the course of daily life a feeling of helplessness overcomes man, the same kind of helplessness that he experiences while observing the universe through a telescope. All men and women have the feeling that they suffer from limitations when they cannot achieve what they want. These limitations make them feel dejected and helpless. Illness, accident, loss, death or old age are a part of man’s experience. They are constant reminders of the fact that we are in need of a superior power. Without the help of such a superior power, we cannot go on with our lives. These feelings are a psychological proof of the existence of God. We go through this psychological experience at various points in our lives. Each one of us, in our inner feelings, thus bears witness to the existence of God. The nature of every human being constantly urges one to recognise the need for God. Without God, our lives will not be complete. Without the help of God we cannot succeed. Man’s position is further illustrated by the following example. A hundred years ago, a ship sailed from the coast of America towards Africa. When the ship was far out in the open sea, a severe storm broke out, making it heave and shudder. The passengers were all shaken and in a state of great fear and anxiety. At this time of crisis, one of the passengers noticed a little girl in a corner on the deck playing with her dolls, quite undisturbed by the storm. Seeing her, he got curious and asked, “Do you know what is happening to our ship?” The girl asked, “What is the matter?” The passenger told her that the ship was caught in a dangerous storm. The girl calmly replied: “You know, my father is the Captain of this ship. He is not going to let it sink.” The girl’s faith in her father saved her from being a victim of fear at this crucial moment. The same is true of a person of faith. He has the same childlike faith in his Creator, God Almighty. But his is a faith of far greater intensity. When catastrophe threatens, he can say with much stronger conviction that God Almighty is the Captain of the ship of his life: He will never let it sink under any circumstance. o Each one of us, in our inner feelings, bears witness to the existence of God.