Please Read - Need Some Christian Advice

Joshua S · Oct 29, 2019

Hello all.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Lately, I've been suffering from unfortunate things in my life. From being in a mental hospital, being rejected by a girl in a mental hospital who has now left the hospital and even hearing news of our family's 15 year old cat dying by a car accident yesterday. These unfortunate circumstances have dramatically made my mood worse and I don't know what to do. I'm going to an 11:30am Chaplain Service held here at the Mental Hospital for the first time. Haven't been to something such as this in months. My mind is a little messed up, I'm not focused on God as much as I wish and I feel like Satan has his hands on me.

I felt directed towards a verse the other day. James 1:9. The verse says, "Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them." This came to me about a week ago yet I still don't understand. I'm 19, and I'm Autistic and I try to identify as a Christian and I do believe God, Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit is real, I just have spiritual battles a lot.

Does anyone have any advice for me? I'm quite down and depressed a bit. I feel empty and alone and sad.

maintenance man · Oct 29, 2019

Don't let your mental distractions work their way into your heart. The Holy Spirit is there available to you for protection from any evil that is trying to deceive you.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 New (NASB)

In time what you are feeling right now will disappear.

Take the hand of God and walk with him through this difficult time.

I'm praying for you.

timothyu · Oct 29, 2019

The fact you know you are struggling shows you still know the rules so to speak even if things seem muddled. The heart knows what is right by the sounds of it even when the rest of the body malfunctions. Even when a window fogs up you still know what you previously saw on the other side is still there.

As for James those who are materially poor find it much easier to be spiritually rich without those burdens, so one is blessed. Disabled people often find that they can better focus on what is important without the distractions of everyday 'normal' life. Works for me.

food4thought · Oct 29, 2019

Joshua S said:
Hello all.

Hi, Joshua!

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Lately, I've been suffering from unfortunate things in my life. From being in a mental hospital, being rejected by a girl in a mental hospital who has now left the hospital and even hearing news of our family's 15 year old cat dying by a car accident yesterday. These unfortunate circumstances have dramatically made my mood worse and I don't know what to do. I'm going to an 11:30am Chaplain Service held here at the Mental Hospital for the first time. Haven't been to something such as this in months. My mind is a little messed up, I'm not focused on God as much as I wish and I feel like Satan has his hands on me.

Seeking the fellowship of other believers is a good thing, and it would be very good if you could speak to the chaplain about these struggles.

I felt directed towards a verse the other day. James 1:9. The verse says, "Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them." This came to me about a week ago yet I still don't understand.

James 1:9 means that if you are in humble circumstances in this world you ought to take honor from your exulted position as an adopted child of God in heaven. As the Apostle John wrote:

1 John 3:1-2 See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. (2) Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.

I'm 19, and I'm Autistic and I try to identify as a Christian and I do believe God, Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit is real, I just have spiritual battles a lot.

Heavenly Father, give Joshua strength and faith in Your Son Jesus Christ in the midst of his troubles, and I ask that you would fill him to overflowing with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Does anyone have any advice for me? I'm quite down and depressed a bit. I feel empty and alone and sad.

I would prescribe some serious prayer on your part. And I suggest that you read the book of Ephesians, and believe what it says about your relationship with God. Also use Ephesians 6:10-18 as the basis for a prayer to protect you from the attacks of the devil.

Praying for you, brother;
Michael

gym_class_hero · Oct 29, 2019

Hey Joshua,
as someone who's had a family member with mental issues, please make sure to continue taking your meds no matter how good you feel. seems like my dad would often have episodes only after he stopped taking his meds when he fooled himself into thinking he didn't need them. Secondly as far as your spiritual life is, I would find it somewhere where you can volunteer maybe for people that are less fortunate than you. I found that focusing on other people's issues instead of my own often help improve my mood and spiritual life. God bless you!

dqhall · Oct 29, 2019

Joshua S said:
Hello all.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Lately, I've been suffering from unfortunate things in my life. From being in a mental hospital, being rejected by a girl in a mental hospital who has now left the hospital and even hearing news of our family's 15 year old cat dying by a car accident yesterday. These unfortunate circumstances have dramatically made my mood worse and I don't know what to do. I'm going to an 11:30am Chaplain Service held here at the Mental Hospital for the first time. Haven't been to something such as this in months. My mind is a little messed up, I'm not focused on God as much as I wish and I feel like Satan has his hands on me.

I felt directed towards a verse the other day. James 1:9. The verse says, "Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them." This came to me about a week ago yet I still don't understand. I'm 19, and I'm Autistic and I try to identify as a Christian and I do believe God, Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit is real, I just have spiritual battles a lot.

Does anyone have any advice for me? I'm quite down and depressed a bit. I feel empty and alone and sad.

I was homeless when I was 22. I turned to the New Testament when I could. Eventually I found steady work, an income, apartment and vehicle. I no longer boosted of my poverty and austerity, but thanked God for work to do and my daily bread. Some Christians had helped me when I was a poor homeless stranger. God is merciful.

longwait · Oct 30, 2019

Joshua S said:
Hello all.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Lately, I've been suffering from unfortunate things in my life. From being in a mental hospital, being rejected by a girl in a mental hospital who has now left the hospital and even hearing news of our family's 15 year old cat dying by a car accident yesterday. These unfortunate circumstances have dramatically made my mood worse and I don't know what to do. I'm going to an 11:30am Chaplain Service held here at the Mental Hospital for the first time. Haven't been to something such as this in months. My mind is a little messed up, I'm not focused on God as much as I wish and I feel like Satan has his hands on me.

I felt directed towards a verse the other day. James 1:9. The verse says, "Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them." This came to me about a week ago yet I still don't understand. I'm 19, and I'm Autistic and I try to identify as a Christian and I do believe God, Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit is real, I just have spiritual battles a lot.

Does anyone have any advice for me? I'm quite down and depressed a bit. I feel empty and alone and sad.

James 1:9 according to me means if one has lack in any way then those are the ones the Lord is close to. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

aiki · Oct 30, 2019

Joshua S said:
My mind is a little messed up, I'm not focused on God as much as I wish and I feel like Satan has his hands on me.

Well, the more we turn from God to focus on other things, the more the devil has opportunity to lay his hands on you. The surest, best way to keep the devil from your door is to walk well with God. When you're enjoying rich, deep fellowship with your Heavenly Father, the devil may approach and roar a bit, but he can't do anything more.

Joshua S said:
I felt directed towards a verse the other day. James 1:9. The verse says, "Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them." This came to me about a week ago yet I still don't understand.

A verse taken out of its context becomes a pretext. By this I mean that a verse that is not understood within its immediate context can be made into a pretext for almost anything. I don't know what version of the Bible you are using, but the rendering of James 1:9 you've given is not a good one. Here's the verse in its context from the NASB:

James 1:9
9 But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position;
10 and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because flowering grass he will pass away.
11 For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.

The NKJV renders James 1:9 this way:

9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation,

Young's Literal Translation reads:

9 And let the brother who is low rejoice in his exaltation,

Even the New English Translation renders the verse:

9 Now the believer of humble means should take pride in his high position.

The translation you cited seems not to be a translation at all but more a paraphrase version of Scripture which I would urge you to avoid like the plague.

In any case, the sense of the verse is drawn out by the verses which follow it that talk about the fleeting nature of life (and wealth). James is writing to believers - in this case both "lowly ones" and rich ones - and urging them to recognize that as born-again children of God they have all become equal in Christ Jesus: the "lowly" brother is exalted in Christ, made a co-heir with him, and the rich brother is humiliated insofar as he recognizes that his riches have no eternal value. Together before God they stand as equals in Christ Jesus.

Joshua S said:
I'm 19, and I'm Autistic and I try to identify as a Christian and I do believe God, Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit is real, I just have spiritual battles a lot.

The apostle James noted that a person has done well to believe about God as you do, but that such belief, separated from a desire to live in conformity to it, is insufficient to bring one into relationship with God. (see James 2:18-26) God invites you into direct, personal relationship with Himself, not just to hold certain theological/philosophical positions about Him.

The Bible reveals to us that God is peace and rest, that He is the Source of contentment, and meaning, and love. He is the Answer to all who labor under depression and despair.

Matthew 11:28-30
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Joshua S · Oct 30, 2019

aiki said:
Well, the more we turn from God to focus on other things, the more the devil has opportunity to lay his hands on you. The surest, best way to keep the devil from your door is to walk well with God. When you're enjoying rich, deep fellowship with your Heavenly Father, the devil may approach and roar a bit, but he can't do anything more.

A verse taken out of its context becomes a pretext. By this I mean that a verse that is not understood within its immediate context can be made into a pretext for almost anything. I don't know what version of the Bible you are using, but the rendering of James 1:9 you've given is not a good one. Here's the verse in its context from the NASB:

James 1:9
9 But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position;
10 and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because flowering grass he will pass away.
11 For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.

The NKJV renders James 1:9 this way:

9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation,

Young's Literal Translation reads:

9 And let the brother who is low rejoice in his exaltation,

Even the New English Translation renders the verse:

9 Now the believer of humble means should take pride in his high position.

The translation you cited seems not to be a translation at all but more a paraphrase version of Scripture which I would urge you to avoid like the plague.

In any case, the sense of the verse is drawn out by the verses which follow it that talk about the fleeting nature of life (and wealth). James is writing to believers - in this case both "lowly ones" and rich ones - and urging them to recognize that as born-again children of God they have all become equal in Christ Jesus: the "lowly" brother is exalted in Christ, made a co-heir with him, and the rich brother is humiliated insofar as he recognizes that his riches have no eternal value. Together before God they stand as equals in Christ Jesus.

The apostle James noted that a person has done well to believe about God as you do, but that such belief, separated from a desire to live in conformity to it, is insufficient to bring one into relationship with God. (see James 2:18-26) God invites you into direct, personal relationship with Himself, not just to hold certain theological/philosophical positions about Him.

The Bible reveals to us that God is peace and rest, that He is the Source of contentment, and meaning, and love. He is the Answer to all who labor under depression and despair.

Matthew 11:28-30
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

I am using the NLT (New Living Translation) Holy Bible. The quote I gave regarding James 1:9 was authentic and in no way did I paraphrase. Please don't accuse my version of the Holy Bible being wrong. I wouldn't do that to any Christian so please don't do it to me. If you look up NLT James 1:9 you will see that I'm telling the truth.

cmmiller3540 · Oct 30, 2019

Hello Joshua. I am so sorry you are having such a rough time. Please know that Jesus loves you. Even if you are not focused on God as much as you wish you were, He loves you still. Reconnecting with church service is a good thing. Church helps Christian stay connected or reconnect with Christ. In fact the Bible encourages believers to come together for worship (Colossians 3:16). The Bible also encourages us to be of service to others. Helping others can be very uplifting physically, emotionally and mentally. I will be praying that thing get better for you Joshua. And, I leave with you with this verse. “May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)

aiki · Oct 30, 2019

Joshua S said:
I am using the NLT (New Living Translation) Holy Bible. The quote I gave regarding James 1:9 was authentic and in no way did I paraphrase. Please don't accuse my version of the Holy Bible being wrong. I wouldn't do that to any Christian so please don't do it to me. If you look up NLT James 1:9 you will see that I'm telling the truth.

I didn't say that YOU had engaged in paraphrase. Your Bible version is, however, not a strict translation but much closer to paraphrase (if not actually a paraphrase). I'm sorry if it offends you, but not all Bible translations are created equal. The New Living Translation is not, by any means, among the best English translations of the Bible. That's not your fault. You probably didn't know.

It's very strange that of all the things you could have focused on in my post to you, the translation issue was the one you chose. I said several other things to you that were much more important. I would urge you to focus on them.

FutureAndAHope · Oct 30, 2019

Joshua S said:
Hello all.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Lately, I've been suffering from unfortunate things in my life. From being in a mental hospital, being rejected by a girl in a mental hospital who has now left the hospital and even hearing news of our family's 15 year old cat dying by a car accident yesterday. These unfortunate circumstances have dramatically made my mood worse and I don't know what to do. I'm going to an 11:30am Chaplain Service held here at the Mental Hospital for the first time. Haven't been to something such as this in months. My mind is a little messed up, I'm not focused on God as much as I wish and I feel like Satan has his hands on me.

I felt directed towards a verse the other day. James 1:9. The verse says, "Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them." This came to me about a week ago yet I still don't understand. I'm 19, and I'm Autistic and I try to identify as a Christian and I do believe God, Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit is real, I just have spiritual battles a lot.

Does anyone have any advice for me? I'm quite down and depressed a bit. I feel empty and alone and sad.

I have been admitted to mental hospitals in the past, so I know the feelings you get in there. Don't worry, God will bring you out of your despair to a place of blessing, as you attempt to put your focus on Him. As an example in my life, I feel so abandoned in there, with no help. Yet now I am free and live a normal life, I am happily married, and my wife loves me, all is good. The same can be your story, just hang in there. God will bring you good things as you trust him.

LoricaLady · Oct 31, 2019

Joshua S said:
Hello all.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Lately, I've been suffering from unfortunate things in my life. From being in a mental hospital, being rejected by a girl in a mental hospital who has now left the hospital and even hearing news of our family's 15 year old cat dying by a car accident yesterday. These unfortunate circumstances have dramatically made my mood worse and I don't know what to do. I'm going to an 11:30am Chaplain Service held here at the Mental Hospital for the first time. Haven't been to something such as this in months. My mind is a little messed up, I'm not focused on God as much as I wish and I feel like Satan has his hands on me.

I felt directed towards a verse the other day. James 1:9. The verse says, "Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them." This came to me about a week ago yet I still don't understand. I'm 19, and I'm Autistic and I try to identify as a Christian and I do believe God, Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit is real, I just have spiritual battles a lot.

Does anyone have any advice for me? I'm quite down and depressed a bit. I feel empty and alone and sad.

This might not work until you are out of the institution. After that, IF you are very healthy, I would advise doing a once a week, 24 hour, water only fast with prayer for light, wisdom, guidance, help.
Many people's lives have been miraculous change through ongoing fasting.

Don't overdo it. As I said, IF you are very healthy. Too much fasting, or fasting with poor health, can stress out the adrenals and cause harm.

Joshua S · Oct 31, 2019

aiki said:
I didn't say that YOU had engaged in paraphrase. Your Bible version is, however, not a strict translation but much closer to paraphrase (if not actually a paraphrase). I'm sorry if it offends you, but not all Bible translations are created equal. The New Living Translation is not, by any means, among the best English translations of the Bible. That's not your fault. You probably didn't know.

It's very strange that of all the things you could have focused on in my post to you, the translation issue was the one you chose. I said several other things to you that were much more important. I would urge you to focus on them.

I'd like to apologize. I think my mind was clouded with unknown anger. Please forgive me. I'm just going off my Holy Bible. I find it easier to read as I am Autistic and have OCD.

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