We are Designed to Live with God

by Letters Editor · Published March 30, 2019 · Updated March 29, 2019

Stephen A Clark, Manila, Philippines – A friend of mine has a splendid little great-grandson, and I noticed how bright his eyes are. Not only because they are brand-new, but it’s as if the light shines out from within in the newly baptised.

Similarly, it is seen in the passion and idealism of youth. Often, though, the promise of youth gives way to middle-age: compromises are made, troubles mount up and, overwhelmed by the cares of this world, we can easily be “taken out” by the enemy of our souls with his menu of false gods and quick fixes.

So many men fall into alcoholism, pornography, adultery, gambling, and so on.

There are many reasons, but what is central, I think, is forgetting crucial truths. In our age particularly, we have forgotten that we have an enemy devoted 24/7 to our eternal destruction by whatever means. Alone, we are powerless against the devil. We also have forgotten that we were never designed to live independently of God.

We cannot live without God any more than a baby in the womb can without its mother providing all the nutrients it needs.

Our prayer life is rather like an umbilical cord connecting us with God. Our time on earth might be likened to gestation in the womb, growing as we are fed. At death we are delivered into heaven.

We really need to get back to prayer, to be open to God’s grace which is sufficient for all troubles.

Our reliance on God and growing relationship with him, through daily prayer, is the only thing that can keep the enemy of our souls at bay and enable us to triumph.