Max Member Posts: 523 From: IA Registered: 09-19-2004 |
I've been thinking a lot lately, which is usually a bad thing. I've been wondering, and doubting, and generally just frustrated. I'm having some real problems and I'm bogged down and exhausted. I guess I still consider myself a Christian, but I feel really distanced. I don't see the point in it all. What point is there in living? What point is there in anything we do? Why is all this happening, it makes no sense to me. It seems to me that I have nothing. But on the contrary I have all the arbitrary things I need to survive, but I feel empty. It feels like a void, but I don't know about anything anymore. Sorry if you bothered to read this, just needed to type out some things. ------------------ |
Brandon Member Posts: 594 From: Kansas City, Mo, USA Registered: 02-02-2004 |
Hi Max, sorry to hear of the troubles that you are going through. It deeply concerns me to hear anytime a brother or sister is feeling like you are right now. I'd say that you should make small steps, don't try to do too much, don't try to be someone who you are not. But let God work how He sees fit in your life. If you are struggling with your faith, then lay it before God, and tell Him that you are struggling, and that you need Him, you need His help. I'd suggest that you have a talk with a mature Christian about this matter, someone in your church, perhaps a pastor. If you don't mind being more open, I'm sure there's some people here who'd be interested in talking with you. I know that sometimes that we may feel like giving up, but remember take it one step at a time, and one day at a time. And day by day you will find yourself becoming more and more the person that God intended you to be. God uses our struggles to make us stronger. Do you really have a relationship with Jesus Christ? I'm not asking if you go to church, or if you sing the doxology, or if you are baptized, but do you have a real and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ? Do you really believe that He died for you on the cross and rose from the dead having conquerd death and hell? If you believe this, then you are saved. Don't judge yourself by how you see other Christians. You can still be you once you are a Christian. It's not about being like a group of people, it's not about looking super spiritual to other Christians, it's about knowing Christ and being like Him. You said that you feel empty, why? Jesus can fill the deepest pits in our souls. Keep your eyes on Him my brother. Much love in Christ, ------------------ [This message has been edited by brandon (edited February 20, 2005).] |
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Brandon Member Posts: 594 From: Kansas City, Mo, USA Registered: 02-02-2004 |
I'd also suggest, if you already haven't, for you to read "The Purpose Driven Life". Simply put, it is an amazing book. And can infact be life changing. ------------------ |
Simon_Templar Member Posts: 330 From: Eau Claire, WI USA Registered: 10-25-2004 |
Hey Max, I just wanted to let you know your not the only Christian, let alone the only person, to suffer those kind of feelings. If you wanna talk more about it, we're always here to listen.
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Max Member Posts: 523 From: IA Registered: 09-19-2004 |
Thanks guys, I've just been run ragged lately. It's good to know I have good Christian support. I've been battling a lot lately, with Satan and with myself. Thanks again! ------------------ |
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Rhyolite Member Posts: 86 From: UK Registered: 08-04-2004 |
As above, I appreciate this is an old post but only recently saw it. I dunno if this helps, but I am currently diagnosed as 'depressed'. I have been a born again Christian for 15 years (I am 36), belong to a good church, have a family, two great kids and had a good career job with company car etc etc. Then 'bang', I have a nervous breakdown and go into depression. My first question was 'how can this happen to a saved believer?'. My next question was 'am I really saved?'. It has been a difficult time for myself and those around me, but all I know is that none of us are exempt from any difficulties that occur in the world. As Christians, we will 'suffer' just like everyone else (perhaps more so), and that includes depression. I 'know' I am saved. I have learnt a great deal about myself, about God and about the 'world' through my depression - things I would never have learnt as a somewhat 'self sufficient' Christian. Even though life has sometimes seemed pointless (which in some respects it is), God was always their deep down. God is slowly teaching me the 'real' value of life. It is only now that I realise just how far away from Gods purpose of 'life' we are. So, if its any help, your not the only one. Perhaps you have just become disillusioned with the world of today, which is not a bad thing. Also, as others have said, we also come under attack. In all things however, always remember that it is GOD who has saved us and WILL redeem us. It is for HIS glory and HIS purpose that we are saved. Take hope in this, for He will not let you go (even if you dont 'feel' it). I have also read the 'purpose driven life' and can recommend it. However, many of these books promote 'positive living' which can sometimes make you feel worse (not sure if that book does or not). There are many accounts of Christians feeling utterly deserted and barren in the bible, just read 'Psalms'. If David (a 'man of God') can feel desolate, then I guess it 'ok' for us to feel that way too. In Christ (for 'in reality' we have nothing else), [This message has been edited by Rhyolite (edited April 23, 2005).] |