"It has been said that there are two reasons why men turn to God. First, they find an order in the universe that they cannot explain without God. Second, they find a disorder in themselves that they cannot deal with without God."

I know not the author of this statement, but it does bring into focus two reasons for men turning to God. Many others can be given, but these two are pertinent.

Order in the Universe

There is no way to explain the order of our universe apart from intelligence. This intelligence cannot be accounted for separate and apart from God. In his book, I Believe Because, Batsell Baxter wrote:

The universe demonstrates order and design, hence there must be a designer. The existence of order and system demands an orderer. Beauty, form, design, and purpose in nature all imply a creative mind, an intelligent architect (p. 50).

He also gives a quotation from Dr. Arthur H. Compton, nobel prize winner in Physics:

For myself, faith begins with the realization that a supreme intelligence brought the universe into being and created man (emphasis mine, LJS). It is not difficult for me to have this faith, for it is incontrovertible that where there is plan there is intelligence - an orderly, unfolding universe testifies to the truth of the most majestic statement ever uttered - "In the beginning God!" (p. 64)

When mere man can observe and calculate time, seasons, eclipses, astronomical data, and events in the distant past or predict the future, things that appear unfathomable, one must know that there is an order to our solar system that is perfection. The dream of men reaching the moon became a reality because there is an orderly movement of the earth and her satellite. Every movement of each is predictable.

However, the source of my faith is found in Genesis one. I accept this written record as inspired of God. That which is recorded is verifiable by things which are seen! As the Psalmist declared:

When I consider the heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? (Psa. 8:3-4)

Disorder in Self

Long ago, Jeremiah seemed to point to this problem. He exclaimed: "O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" (10:23).

Yet, how many are attempting to do just that. Take note of what happens when men try to take direction away from God. Anarchy ensues, exhibited in all kinds of crime, corruption, disease, hostility, disunity, and perverseness of every description. Read Romans 1:21-32 for a demonstration of what occurs when men try to take over from God.

Isaiah suggests the same problem: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" (55:8-9).

We should learn this lesson. Yet, men seem to be continually challenging God. The inquire:

"Why did you make me thus?'

"Why is your law given as it is?" or

"What you are saying, Lord, makes no sense at all."

As we view disorder in our lives, and contemplate God's plan for bringing order into our lives, we graciously thank God for his wonderful gift. Be reminded of the beautiful invitation of Jesus:

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matt. 11:28-30).

Yes, the order of the universe and the disorder in ourselves prove the existence of God. We also see our need for him!

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 24, p. 748
December 19, 1991