Why does God show himself to some but not others even if they 'seek him'?

 The question of why some individuals report having direct experiences of God while others do not, even when actively seeking a connection with the divine, is a complex and deeply philosophical one. Different religious traditions offer varied explanations for this phenomenon, and perspectives on divine revelation and personal experiences of God differ widely.

Here are some perspectives that various religious and philosophical traditions offer:

1. **Mystery of God's Ways:**

   - Many religious traditions acknowledge the mysterious nature of God and the limitations of human understanding. Some believe that God's ways are beyond human comprehension, and the experience of God may be part of a divine plan that is not fully known to individuals.

2. **Faith and Spiritual Maturity:**

   - Some religious teachings suggest that personal experiences of God are linked to an individual's level of faith, spiritual maturity, or readiness to receive divine revelations. Those who have cultivated a deeper spiritual awareness may be more open to perceiving the divine.

3. **Different Paths to God:**

   - Various religious traditions emphasize different paths to God or the divine. Some individuals may have profound spiritual experiences within the context of a specific religious tradition, while others may find connection and meaning through different spiritual or philosophical paths.

4. **Testing and Trials:**

   - Some religious perspectives propose that individuals may go through periods of spiritual testing or trials. The absence of direct experiences of God does not necessarily indicate a lack of divine presence but may be part of a larger spiritual journey.

5. **Free Will and Personal Choice:**

   - The concept of free will is central to many religious traditions. Some believe that individuals have the freedom to choose whether to seek and engage with God. Personal receptivity, choices, and intentions may play a role in one's experiences of the divine.

6. **Cultural and Religious Background:**

   - Cultural and religious background can influence how individuals conceptualize and experience the divine. Some may frame their experiences in terms of a specific religious tradition, while others may describe them using more general spiritual or philosophical language.

It's important to recognize that individuals' spiritual journeys are deeply personal, and experiences of the divine, or the lack thereof, are subjective. The diversity of beliefs and interpretations across different religious and philosophical traditions adds to the richness of the human experience and understanding of the transcendent.