Does God exist? That's a great question—but it's also a strange one. Fish don't ask if water exists, nor do birds question the air. Their environment is simply assumed. Fish rely on water to swim, just as birds depend on air to fly. They don't question the existence of their environment; they live in it.

In a similar but deeper sense, God is the environment in which we live. The Apostle Paul quoted an ancient poet who said, "In him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). We dwell in a God-saturated universe. This doesn’t mean we are divine, but it does mean that God's presence fills every part of creation. As Paul also said, "He is actually not far from each one of us" (Acts 17:27).

Questioning God's Existence

The reason people question the existence of God is that he does not conform to their assumptions about proof and evidence, which are often grounded in materialism. Since God is Spirit and not material, he cannot be seen, heard, felt, tasted, touched, or smelled. But it would be wrong to conclude that God does not exist simply because he doesn't meet physical criteria.

Consider an example: would we say that a bird does not exist because it doesn’t have gills, as fish do? Of course not—gills are not a feature of birds. Likewise, we cannot say that God does not exist because he is not composed of matter. Material substance is simply not part of who God is. According to the Bible, "God is Spirit" (John 4:24). We cannot perceive him in the same way we perceive created things.

However, the Bible is clear that we can speak to God and have a personal relationship with him. We do this through Jesus Christ, who makes it possible for us to be right with God and grow in godliness.

Relying on God's Existence

Whether or not people admit that God exists, they rely on him for everything. The character of God is what sustains the universe—not just in natural laws such as gravity or the travel of light waves, but in the beauty and majesty of the natural world. Concepts such as truth, beauty, and morality all have their foundation in the eternal nature of God.

If God did not exist, the universe as we know it would cease to be. The meaning and stability of life are grounded in God's eternal plan to dwell with his creation.

Conclusion: Awareness of God's Presence

So, does God exist? A better question might be: "Why are we often unaware of his presence?" That question invites us to examine our own spirit and the doubts that stand in the way of faith. God exists, regardless of our beliefs. The real issue is why maintaining a relationship with him can be so difficult.

For more insights, explore the short ebook In Divine Company and the award-winning book One with God.