Desperate for help

crc134 said:

I'm trying to give it to god over and over every day, I am getting no peace.

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Hi CRC,

The mind will play tricks like that, and we frequently engage the battle at that level rather than from our exalted position seated with Christ in high places. "Seated" means the battle is essentially already won and we are at rest. Our job here and now is to oversee its working out, not to win it over again by ourselves.

If you claim Christ according to the Good Confession in Romans 10, you are Saved and your sins will not be counted against you. Romans 6-8 make this clear.

I have two suggestions. First is to read carefully Ephesians 1, which speaks of our high position, and that the devil is already under Christ's feet (and as His body, that is us), Romans 8, and the book of Philippians, which is all about attitude and filling the mind with the good things of God. The second is to watch this video by Dan Mohler on how to resist the devil. I hope this is of some help to you. God bless you my friend.

Here's some nice uplifting audios to listen to, and talks about what 'paul1149' just mentioned.. they help renew my mind.. just thinking about that I am one with Jesus, seated at the right hand of God (in the spirit), with all enemies as my footstool etc.

All that stuff is reality, you know. And your just stuck in a matrix of unreality... (As a man believeth, so he is).

Dear CRC, When I was a new believer I went through much of the same thing. You sound very weak, as though you may not know the Word. Are you a new disciple?

Have you read any books on the doctrine of hell? Not all Christians believe in hell as eternal torment, there are what are called annihilationists. There are probably a lot of books written on the topic, I'd suggest reading some by Christian authors. The important thing to remember about doubts and struggles is that you are not alone, over the last 2000 years someone else will have asked the same question and it will have answers, you just have to find them.

If you are worried about salvation then read some of John, it is clear that we should all have peace and confidence in Jesus and that we have eternal life through him. None of us deserve it, we don't do enough good or selfless acts to deserve it but it is a gift freely given to those who accept it. All of us have doubts, that doesn't mean you're less of a Christian, just that you're human. But we all have to choose whether to listen to the doubts or follow Jesus and his teachings. I accept the doubts I have, the will probably always be there, but I have made my choice to trust in Jesus so I don't let those doubts dictate my life.

crc134 said:

Thank you. I have been wondering lately if I was a believer. I thought I'd become a Christian about 17 years ago, but lately I'm not sure. One of the worries I've been having is about salvation. Have I believed properly?, have I submitted enough?, have I realised I'm a sinner properly? It is only recently that understood that we are saved by grace.I haven't been a regular bible reader, but I've listened to lots of teaching. I have been trying to read the bible more, but I keep finding passages that scare me.

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Good Morning CRC,...I say this kindly : ) because you have not been a regular Bible reader, your concerns may be legitimate. God is passionately in Love with you, and thereby His Grace is overwhelming. If He doesn't condemn you, then why should you? But in order to know the true Christ, and His true teachings, Bible reading is necessary so you will not be deceived into false doctrine, which appears you are. Teachings are good. But many are false or not balanced meaning they overemphasis one doctrine to the exclusion of another. Only Christ is balance, and His Word is balanced.

crc134 said:

Hi, I am having a real struggle. I've suffered with anxiety a lot in the past and now it is attacking my faith. It started about six months ago when I visited my nan in a nursing home. It was just like a waiting room for death and I got worried about if I was saved or not. I started looking at evidence of my having the holy spirit. I couldn't see any, but didn't know if this was my anxiety overlooking it. I then started looking at doctrine of hell as I found it hard to understand why god let's so many people go there. Emotionally I couldn't reconcile idea of hell with a loving god and I found it difficult to worship him. I've also being worried about if he asks me to do something and I can't, then that would mean I wasn't really a Christian. I believe in Jesus and that he died for my sins, I've been trying to give the hell thing over to god, as his thoughts and ways aren't mine etc. I've had a little success with this, but it's like my brain can't leave it alone and it keeps coming back to mind. I'm trying to give it to god over and over every day, I am getting no peace. I don't know if I'm ocd or not, but this is the pattern I've had before that even if I know what to do and want to do it, my brain just seems to keep on mulling things over. I keep getting close to losing my faith, but somewhere inside I know god is good and loving. I'm trying hard to choose to believe that, but I can't get it to stick. I'm scared this will never end. I'm scared of going to hell. If anyone has been through anything like this and had advice, I'd be so grateful. I'd love to roll back the last few months, as I was hearing from god, having pictures, etc and able to worship him. I keep getting horrid thoughts about God that I don't want.sorry for the long post, I can't tell you how tortuous the last few months have been.

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If you have not fulfilled John 6:40, it is because you have not heard the word of God by the gospel according to the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the king James bible.

crc134 said:

Hi, I am having a real struggle. I've suffered with anxiety a lot in the past and now it is attacking my faith. It started about six months ago when I visited my nan in a nursing home. It was just like a waiting room for death and I got worried about if I was saved or not. I started looking at evidence of my having the holy spirit. I couldn't see any, but didn't know if this was my anxiety overlooking it. I then started looking at doctrine of hell as I found it hard to understand why god let's so many people go there. Emotionally I couldn't reconcile idea of hell with a loving god and I found it difficult to worship him. I've also being worried about if he asks me to do something and I can't, then that would mean I wasn't really a Christian. I believe in Jesus and that he died for my sins, I've been trying to give the hell thing over to god, as his thoughts and ways aren't mine etc. I've had a little success with this, but it's like my brain can't leave it alone and it keeps coming back to mind. I'm trying to give it to god over and over every day, I am getting no peace. I don't know if I'm ocd or not, but this is the pattern I've had before that even if I know what to do and want to do it, my brain just seems to keep on mulling things over. I keep getting close to losing my faith, but somewhere inside I know god is good and loving. I'm trying hard to choose to believe that, but I can't get it to stick. I'm scared this will never end. I'm scared of going to hell. If anyone has been through anything like this and had advice, I'd be so grateful. I'd love to roll back the last few months, as I was hearing from god, having pictures, etc and able to worship him. I keep getting horrid thoughts about God that I don't want.sorry for the long post, I can't tell you how tortuous the last few months have been.

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Be at peace, my friend. Thank you for your honesty & willingness to share your concerns.

crc134 said:

I've suffered with anxiety a lot in the past and now it is attacking my faith. It started about six months ago when I visited my nan in a nursing home. It was just like a waiting room for death and I got worried about if I was saved or not. I started looking at evidence of my having the holy spirit. I couldn't see any, but didn't know if this was my anxiety overlooking it.

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crc134 said:

One of the worries I've been having is about salvation. Have I believed properly?, have I submitted enough?, have I realised I'm a sinner properly? It is only recently that understood that we are saved by grace.I haven't been a regular bible reader, but I've listened to lots of teaching.

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Hello again, CRC,

Here is a major tactic of the devil in the mind of the believer: he gets us to focus on ourselves. We see our shortcomings and begin to fear. Our eyes are off the Finished Work of Christ on our behalf. The devil is out to at least neutralize us, and this is very effective.

There is a place for self-examination. But it should be done in the context of the grace of the Cross. We are not without a Savior. And if conviction comes that we must be doing better, than that is a good thing. But that conviction is clean, not morbid. It comes with God as our helper, not our opponent.

The key is to get into the word. Teachings are great - at least some of them are. But ultimately you must get into the Word for yourself, because there God will speak to you directly. Jesus said "if you remain in My word, you will know the truth and the truth shall make you free".

He also says repeatedly, "fear not; come unto me; my yoke is easy", etc. So put the questions and doubts behind you and resolve to love and serve Jesus with all your heart, beginning just the way you are right now. See 2Tim 1.7.

crc134 said:

Hi, I am having a real struggle. I've suffered with anxiety a lot in the past and now it is attacking my faith. It started about six months ago when I visited my nan in a nursing home. It was just like a waiting room for death and I got worried about if I was saved or not. I started looking at evidence of my having the holy spirit. I couldn't see any, but didn't know if this was my anxiety overlooking it. I then started looking at doctrine of hell as I found it hard to understand why god let's so many people go there. Emotionally I couldn't reconcile idea of hell with a loving god and I found it difficult to worship him. I've also being worried about if he asks me to do something and I can't, then that would mean I wasn't really a Christian. I believe in Jesus and that he died for my sins, I've been trying to give the hell thing over to god, as his thoughts and ways aren't mine etc. I've had a little success with this, but it's like my brain can't leave it alone and it keeps coming back to mind. I'm trying to give it to god over and over every day, I am getting no peace. I don't know if I'm ocd or not, but this is the pattern I've had before that even if I know what to do and want to do it, my brain just seems to keep on mulling things over. I keep getting close to losing my faith, but somewhere inside I know god is good and loving. I'm trying hard to choose to believe that, but I can't get it to stick. I'm scared this will never end. I'm scared of going to hell. If anyone has been through anything like this and had advice, I'd be so grateful. I'd love to roll back the last few months, as I was hearing from god, having pictures, etc and able to worship him. I keep getting horrid thoughts about God that I don't want.sorry for the long post, I can't tell you how tortuous the last few months have been.

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I believe that sometimes anxiety attacks are caused by Satan. I'm not sure why, but I think he shoots thoughts that are lies into my head. It really helps me a lot ot pray, and I a sure cure to stop my anxiety is to say I offer up all my suffering for the conversion of sinners. At any rate, I think that if you truly truly believe in Jesus, then the devil will attack you (in your thougts) People who don't really beleive or don't understand the battle we are in, the devil doesn't have to worry about because they are not a threat to him. You must be a very strong christian and he's worried that you will convert people and that makes you a threat. That's why you have panic atttacks. That's my opinion anyway of what causes them.

crc134 said:

Thank you. I have been wondering lately if I was a believer. I thought I'd become a Christian about 17 years ago, but lately I'm not sure. One of the worries I've been having is about salvation. Have I believed properly?, have I submitted enough?, have I realised I'm a sinner properly? It is only recently that understood that we are saved by grace.I haven't been a regular bible reader, but I've listened to lots of teaching. I have been trying to read the bible more, but I keep finding passages that scare me.

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Hi CRC,

Wow, I can so relate to what you are saying, as I am there too at times asking the same questions you are. I'm wondering if it could be a spirit of torment.. I am tormented a lot.

I think what is important for us to remember is that salvation is not of us, it's of Him, a free gift. He died for us, forgave us and saved us- the only thing we have to do is receive it. It's difficult in our natural minds to understand such a gift.We think we need to do something for it... we should be doing stuff because of it.

Hey CRC, I hope that things have gotten a better.
Just to let you know I've gone through some of the exact same things you have, I've come to the conclusion that this is the enemy just trying to fool us. Read your bible, don't be sacred, read Ephesians chapter 6. You don't have to fight the enemy, all you have to do is make a stand and your faith will most likely just become stronger as time goes on. Also read Phillipians Chapter 1 verse 3-7. God is Master at everything He does, He is so perfect and He is working inside of you at this very moment to bring you into a greater knowledge of who Jesus Christ really is. This is spirituality.
Don't base what you believe off of your feelings, this can lead to trouble.
Maybe you should talk to your pastor about this, and always keep praying to God and ask Him to clear these things up and give it time, He doesn't always do things right away. Hope this helps
God Bless

I had the same trouble for years. I took the pills, etc,. but ut all went away instantly when I did this.
Try it....what have you got to lose (except anxiety, fear, dismay, mental pain & fatigue,ect)

I understand a lot of what you are going through. Anxiety is a bear to get rid of, but by no means does it have to be permanent. I find that I get most anxious when I forget the hope that Christ has clearly given me: Hope for an eternity with Him someday. Once one can firmly grasp that concept, worries, fears, and anxious thinking kinda becomes a lot weaker.

Also, I highly recommend a book called "Hope and Help for Your Nerves" by Dr. Claire Weekes. A Christian anxiety counsellor recommended it to me and it has become a faithful companion on my trips. It is incredibly easy to understand and seems to help a person to realize that nearly all of there fears are illegitimate, but it does it in a really gentle way. It also gives you a number of small steps you can take to deal with anxiety and rid it for good, although it takes time and practice. I need to be more diligent, but I bet my anxiety decreased 70% within weeks of reading that book and practicing the steps. Bonus, it is also really cheap haha, like $9 Canadian, so probably $7 US off Amazon. I bought a few and gave them to friends who suffer from anxiety, its just that good.

crc134 said:

Thank you. I have been wondering lately if I was a believer. I thought I'd become a Christian about 17 years ago, but lately I'm not sure. One of the worries I've been having is about salvation. Have I believed properly?, have I submitted enough?, have I realised I'm a sinner properly? It is only recently that understood that we are saved by grace.I haven't been a regular bible reader, but I've listened to lots of teaching. I have been trying to read the bible more, but I keep finding passages that scare me.

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crc134, I just found this thread today. I hope I'm not too late to reply.

I went through several years of living in fear and misery because I wasn't sure if I was saved. I did find peace and still have that peace today; it's been 35+ years. I am listing a link to an article that I wrote about "believing in Jesus" that includes my testimony. Reading it might help you! I have been contacted by many others who have experienced the same kind of doubts and uncertainty about their salvation who found my testimony to be helpful. Also, I can give you some other links to excellent articles written by well known Christian authors that might be helpful.

God has an answer for you somewhere in His Word. I found my answer in the Gospel of John. Don't give up on reading God's Word, but be careful about selecting verses that scare you. Many people like to pick and choose scriptures to make a point about something, but they take verses out of context which does not reveal the true meaning. The bible does not contradict itself like some people claim, but it actually explains itself which requires studying all of God's Word to find the truth. I have been studying God's Word for many years now and there is still much that I don't understand, but I do understand how God saves us through the message of the cross, the Gospel message. Whenever I do find something that I don't understand or that seems to be a contradiction I will study more scriptures about that matter and many times I will find the true meaning. If I can't find the true meaning about a matter then I don't fret about it. I know my salvation is secure in the message of the cross & that is what really matters. The other things I don't understand I know I will come to understand later, either in this life or in eternity. The Gospel is a simple message of how God saves us through the finished work of Jesus on the cross. God is not trying to trick us or to confuse us about that matter; He wants all to trust Him with their eternity by believing the truth found in His Word. The Gospel of John is the best place to find that truth. Please read my testimony; I believe it will help you.

http://www.christianforums.com/threads/what-it-means-to-beleive-in-jesus.7927993/

Don

I have suffered with this myself, it is a horrible thing to have to endure.

My advice ask God the father to forgive you for all the people you have hurt, name them then ask God to bless them, them tell God I forgive everyone who has ever hurt me, then name them, then ask God to bless them. Then confess that Jesus christ is Lord and that he resurrected back to life, thank you Jesus that you are true and just to forgive me of all that is past, in the name of Jesus Amen

Also put on the full armour of God ephesians 6:11 (see if you can tick all of the boxes, if not work on the one you are weak at )