Object permanence is a term in psychology that describes the knowledge that an object exists, even when it is not in sight. As infants, humans do not have object permanence.
For example, a baby plays with a pencil. I could take that pencil, hide it behind my back, and the infant would not protest. Since the object has no visibility to the child, it is as though it disappeared–maybe even as though it never existed. Of course, there comes an age when children will protest this action, for they realize that just because they can no longer see the object does not mean it no longer exists.
They develop object permanence.
To adults, especially those who do not understand the process of developmental growth, the infants may seem rather naive.
Silly even.
But, it is a process every human goes through. A stage everyone experiences.
This is the temporal aspect of it. We all also experience a lack of object permanence spiritually. Rather than happening in our early human years, it tends to be later in life. It has been referenced to as the “need to see in order to believe.”
For some, it is a justification or explanation as to their lack of belief in God.
They cannot see Him, so why should He exist? Why believe?
The lack of belief has extreme similarities to the lack of object permanence. Perhaps, they forget that an object exists, even when it is not in sight. God exists, even when He is not in sight.
Many can testify to this truthfulness. His miracles are present and evident to them. For some, to suggest that God does not exist because a person has not seen Him is as silly to suggest that Australia does not exist because a person has not seen it.
Although, clearly, Australia exists. Evidence and Australians can attest to this.
Likewise, others can attest to God’s existence with stories of His hand in their lives. Scriptures and other artifacts also serve as evidence of Him.
Sometimes, though, no explaining, witnessing, or evidence can change a person’s mind. Just like in our early years, a person must develop first before they understand.
They must develop some form of spiritual object permanence. Likely, this means they must show even just a sliver of faith.
For both the believers and the nonbelievers, take patience. Take patience with those still developing their faith. Remember we all go through spiritual stages. Then, to those who still unsure of His existence or any other aspects of their belief, take patience with those who do not understand the process. Who may have failed to show empathy. Most importantly, take patience with yourself.
Faith is a simple concept, but it can have a complex pathway.
We all travel this path. Even Jesus Christ, the Great Redeemer himself did, and to think he did not struggle is wrong. He did.
He kept his strength through it all though, so that when we needed it, he could give it to us. So, take patience.
When needed, take His strength.
And when strong, give strength to those who need it–perhaps at a familiar spiritual spot, developing their object permanence of God.
We may not see Him face-to-face, but we can just as surely know He is there when we turn our hearts and minds to God, and for even a moment of time, choose to believe.
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