I believe that the universe is God's.
By that I mostly mean that the universe is not mine. Its function is not to make me (or anyone) happy or treat me (or anyone) justly or please me (or anyone). Its function is to be what it is.
By the same token, I believe that the universe is no more against me than it is for me. The universe neither favors nor disfavors me. How could it? I am a part of the universe—a part of its fabric, a component of its body—and not separate at all.
The universe is God's—not mine, not yours, not anyone's—and I do not believe that God tweaks the universe to anyone's particular benefit (or detriment). God leaves that to those of us who (having free will) may choose to act in one way or another.
God's favor isn't something I look for from the universe. I don't see hard times as punishment from God or good times as rewards. I try really hard not to believe that the universe works like a scale, balancing evil with good or rendering justice from injustice. I am well aware of how lucky I am (and how little I 'deserve' the good that is in my life), and I am just as keenly aware of how unlucky others are (who 'deserve' far better than they get).
I believe that I am responsible for what I do in the universe, and that it is up to me to make the most of a bad situation or make the best of a good situation. I believe that I am responsible both for my own responses to circumstances and for the consequences of my own actions.
I believe that when bad things happen to good people, I am empowered to act on their behalf. I believe that when bad things happen to me, I am empowered to act on my own behalf. I do not believe that in either circumstance the universe will somehow 'make it right'—in this universe, that's up to me and other persons of good will.
I believe that the universe is God's, and that God expects me to do what I can to make it better—for myself and for others—so I'm not waiting for God (or the universe) to set things right; I'm doing what I can to set things right myself.
And I am grateful for the many dear friends who—consciously or unconsciously—are doing likewise.
Above all else, this I believe: that we are given the chance to be God's grace for one another in God's universe, and when we bless others, we are blessed.
