Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

~Hebrews 11:1 NIV

Is it just me, or has the world lost its ever-lovin’ mind? A couple of years ago, I began noticing people in conversations (especially on social media) using the words “the universe” as if the universe is God. It shocked me because it was so strange. Why is everyone saying the universe made it happen or the universe will do this or that? Was this a new thing? Or had it been going on for years but unnoticed by me? Either way, it made no sense.

I set my mind on God’s works. I see Him in everything. I’ll never forget many years ago when the seeds of the maple trees in our backyard filled the sky and rotated to earth in the wind. We call them helicopters. I was utterly captivated by the idea that God would create a seed with wings. How incredible. Just a simple thing like a maple seed twirling to earth caused me to be awe-struck at God’s handiwork. 

I wondered if my accustomed attitude to acknowledging God’s work in my life caused me never to pay attention to someone using the word universe interchangeably with God. Still, the reference troubles my spirit. To me, doing so is wrong.

Did the universe reverse the curse or reconcile us back to itself? Did the universe create us? Could the universe have suffered and died on the cross to pay for our sins and resurrect itself on the third day? Absolutely not. 

Do people struggle so much with the fact that there is an unseen God that they’ve decided to accept the universe as their god? Perhaps they agree there must be a creator, but is the created the creator?

Is it because people don’t want to believe they’re sinners and that God is just? Or do they not want to acknowledge that their preferred behavior may be sin in the sight of a holy God? For some, the Bible is old-fashioned and out of date. They don’t want to believe the Bible is God’s Word and that it is active and alive. Or is it that they don’t want to think they might go to Hell if they reject God? I don’t get it.

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

~Hebrews 11:3 NIV

Is it so hard to believe that God created the universe and us? That His works are astounding and perfect? God’s plans are good and always for our spiritual growth. We’ll see Him in creation when we surrender our incorrect thinking and seek Him with all our hearts, souls, and minds. We’ll notice seeds with wings–among other things. We will know for a fact that the universe is not God. Instead, He is God of the universe.

Take time daily to notice God in His creation.

Heavenly Father, help me see You in creation and give me ways to show You to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: The Universe: Melinda Cooper: All Rights Reserved