Theme of spirituality/ religion

Earlier, Joanna said that God was an image frequently used in the book as a guiding light for the characters. I agree, and when I was reading the book, I also did not realize the importance of religion and spirituality in the book until I got to the chapters involving the storm. Even though the title is Their Eyes were Watching GOD, I forgot to look for the symbols showing the presence of a God (since the symbolism and theme of religion was not blazoned ) until I got to the line: "They seemed to be staring at the dark, but their eyes were watching God" on page 160.
The topic of religion was brought up in class today as a theme. I thought that made sense, since it was singled out as the title.
In the book, Hurston uses God as a decider of fate. God has the power to crush Janie's home and to send her fleeing. Janie, Tea Cake, and the rest of the characters are at the mercy of God, showing that Hurston believes that there are more powerful things in the universe that control them. And people should never forget that. Even though human beings such as Joe originally flaunted their power and control over other humans by throwing out God's name in the phrase, "I god!", they can never be forever in control. Instead, God will eventually remind them who is boss when he brings out nature's forces against the humans: "They sat in company with the others in other shanties, their eyes straining against crude walls and their souls, asking if He meant to measure their puny might against His" (160).
The theme that there are more powerful things that control people's lives, and that fate is settled by these powerful forces is expressed in the famous line: "They seemed to be staring at the dark, but their eyes were watching God." Janie and the others know that fate is a thing they cannot avoid. Humans are not strong enough to stop themselves from encountering fate, and in this quote they learn that they must accept life as it happens. Events such as natural disasters are reminders from God that the humans' lives are determined by Him, and only he can save them, and bring them back to the light. Even in the darkest hour when they seem to see nothing by darkness and despair, they must trust God. This shows Hurston's devout belief in spirituality and the existence of fate.