I think what God is is beyond human comprehension. I think he is more likely an engineer than a social worker. He builds systems, we are a system or part of one. To me it is self evident that he is not personally going to intervene and help someone. We need wisdom to defend ourselves from evil and to prosper. God helps them that helps themselves.
God is real in that nature and creation is real. "I think therefore I am". I think therefore I am, therefore there is God.
The bible is written by people inspired by God. If our hearts are true we can interpret much of value from its pages. We can also learn from other beliefs and science.
