saints & sinners, page-15

3gb, I am not sure whether you are quoting Einstein in saying "I think any idea of God we have is an illusion", or if that is how you view things. Your finishing statement that about what "pleases God" suggests you view God as real.
The Scriptures teach that it brings God great delight that any should choose to please him. His appeal is:
(Proverbs 27:11) Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, So that I can make a reply to him who taunts me.

Satan has taunted Jehovah, claiming that under test humans will not be faithful to Him.


The nation of Israel "made him feel hurt".
Psalm 78:38 But he was merciful; He would forgive their error and not bring them to ruin. He often held back his anger Instead of stirring up all his wrath. 39 For he remembered that they were flesh, A wind that blows past and does not return. 40 How often they rebelled against him in the wilderness And made him feel hurt in the desert! 41 Again and again they put God to the test, And they grieved the Holy One of Israel.


There were of course faithful men & women whose record of integrity under duress can inspire hope.
(Romans 15:4) For all the things that were written beforehand were written for our instruction, so that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope.