Spiritual Object Permanence

Why is playing peek-a-boo with a little baby so much fun? 

It would have to be the true look of shock and joy when your face is no longer hidden. 

When babies are little they will think that something that they can not see, touch, or sense is gone. For example placing a toy behind their back. Suddenly the toy has vanished and is gone. I have heard this is true also to why many babies begin to cry when their parent is out of view. The baby seeks their mother or father for comfort but since they can not see or hear them, the parent must be gone. 

As babies get a little older and grow cognitively, they begin to develop object permanence.  They start to look for the toy behind their back instead of thinking it has disappeared forever. 

I struggle with my spiritual object permanence (s.o.p). There will be times when I see God clearly moving and working in my life to protect and provide for me. I feel His love and I do not feel afraid or alone. God has proven Himself to be faithful and true. Yet, when something suddenly happens I seem to feel as if He has disappeared and that I am alone. I become like that frightened baby that thinks her Heavenly Father has vanished. 

I often then try to handle the situation out of my own flesh, which usually gets me into more trouble. I assume that I have to fix it. I have to act in some way. Sure, I might call out to my Father, but I will not be patient in waiting or I will be overcome with anxiety. 

This often makes me so frustrated with myself. It is a battle of flesh and spirit. In my spirit I know that God is good. God is in control. God loves me and provides for me. God protects me. ...

Then my flesh says something so different. Oh, no what am I going to do? How can we afford this? I can't handle this right now. I feel so alone. Will this darkness go away? 

Not only am I left feeling torn and overwhelmed, I usually feel an overwhelming amount of guilt. I should know better. Why do I doubt so quickly? I am a bad daughter. I have no faith. 

What to do when you struggle with spiritual object permanence:

1. Cry out to your Heavenly Father

2. Put His word in your heart

3. Thank God for all the times He provided and protected

4. Remember that faith isn't the lack of doubt, it is choosing to believe even in doubt. 

5. Pray that God would increase your faith

6. Remember that God loves you

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. -1 Peter 5:7 

How can a young person stay on the path of purity? 
        By living according to your word. 
I seek you with all my heart;
        do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
        that I might not sin against you. -Psalm 119:9-11

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" - Mark 9:24

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:8