Darling stand by me

Psychological and biological studies show that human beings attain maturity only after reaching middle age. Prior to this, they are not in a position to form any sound opinions on the realities of life. Surveys show, indeed, that superficial remarks about God are made mostly by those who are as yet immature. But with the transition from immaturity to maturity, which comes with the acquisition of experience and knowledge, a great number of people, including atheists and apostates, become serious in their approach to the subject of God. A thinker has aptly said:

A smattering of knowledge turns people away form god. Greater knowledge brings them back to him.

Here are few examples to illustrate this point.

Let us take the case of ambitious businessman who starts a business. His business goes on expanding until a time comes when it becomes unmanageable. Now he realizes that certain personal limitations bar him from fulfilling his desires and ambitions. He comes to feel that he needs a vaster world in order to realize his dreams. He feels that there exists a far greater power than himself and that, without the cooperation of this power; he cannot carry his plans into effect.

One’s Goal in Life.....

Most young people enter life with great ambitions. But again and again they undergo such experiences as remind them of their helplessness. Disease, accident, losses, and disadvantages –all these repeatedly remind them that their lot in life is one of unfulfilled desires. Then they see that, however great one’s material success one inevitably dies within the span of 100 years, leaving all one’s wealth behind. Such bitter reflection shows that all the sweet dreams of childhood and youth stemmed from ignorance. For it is possible to have complete fulfillment in this present imperfect world.

God: the Captain of Life

Man’s position is further illustrated by this beautiful example:

A hundred years ago, a ship sailed from the coast of America to Africa. When the ship was far out to the deep sea, a severe storm broke out. The ship began to shake and jolt. All the passengers were in a state of great fear and anxiety. At this time of crisis, one of the passengers saw a little girl sitting in a corner of the deck. She was playing with her dolls, quite undisturbed by the storm. On seeing this, he became curious and asked her, “Do you know what is happening to our ship? “She 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 religious person. 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 at anytime or in any situation. This is the type of conviction that man needs in his life and god is the only source of such conviction.

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