Worried I can't get close to God

The more we love and are enamoured with the world, the less our soul desires the heaven of the next.

ChristianForCats said:

So what does it mean that loving God and the world is impossible?

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I don't think it is impossible. Takes Psalm9 1-2 for example:

1 The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.

The beauty of the world conveys or reflects something of the beauty of God. As does beautiful art and music, and there is a very real beauty in science and maths and in morality and in good human relationships.

So it's not true that spiritual things are good and physical things are bad. Of course we need to be careful. Chocolate is good but overindulgence can be bad but religious beliefs too can be unhealthy. You say you have OCD. I don't know if this applies to you but one form it can take is scrupulosity, often referred to as "religious OCD" or "moral OCD". This is where a person is unduly concerned with the fear that they are doing something that goes against their religious beliefs or is immoral. It's related to control issues: if I stick to all the rules it means I am in control of myself and my life, and it may be something worth exploring.

ChristianForCats said:

There is no such thing as normal OCD.

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I didn't say there was. It was just a suggestion!

ChristianForCats said:

I never want to forgive people or repent for my sins. I can't stop loving things in the world and want to do what I know are sins. My knowledge and understandings of worldly things make me fear prayers for what I want are useless. Almost 23 years after being saved, I still can't think I would be happier living the way God wants me to.

It is not that I do not want to be close to God, of course. I do want to increase my faith in Him and stop pretending He is not more important than all living creatures and things on Earth. But there is no way I can make myself want to stop doing anything I love to do and liking objects I love. That would mean never eating chocolate again, for example.

Am I being a bad woman and doomed to reject God forever if I never repent, forgive, and stop wanting to sin? How can I bring myself back to wanting God more than anything else?

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Christ tells us to deny ourselfs to follow him. If it were not hard to do this then you're probably doing it wrong. Although we recognize our weaknesses we shouldn't come to a point where we are content with them but rather work to die to ourself daily to be more like Christ daily. I'm not sure if chocolate is a metaphor for something else but this certainly goes beyond the superficial parts of our lives.

ChristianForCats said:

I never want to forgive people or repent for my sins. I can't stop loving things in the world and want to do what I know are sins. My knowledge and understandings of worldly things make me fear prayers for what I want are useless. Almost 23 years after being saved, I still can't think I would be happier living the way God wants me to.

It is not that I do not want to be close to God, of course. I do want to increase my faith in Him and stop pretending He is not more important than all living creatures and things on Earth. But there is no way I can make myself want to stop doing anything I love to do and liking objects I love. That would mean never eating chocolate again, for example.

Am I being a bad woman and doomed to reject God forever if I never repent, forgive, and stop wanting to sin? How can I bring myself back to wanting God more than anything else?

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Scripture says everyone in Christ is a new creature, and all old things pass away, and become new.

This hasn’t happened to you.

Scripture says anyone who continues to live a sinful life has never known God.

I can only conclude that you mentally assent that God exists, but you’ve never had an actual conversion experience.

Acts 3:19 says we must choose to repent of our sins so they are forgiven, and as part of conversion.

Romans 10 says to be saved we must confess with our mouth the faith in our heart that Jesus is Lord who God raised from the dead, and call upon the name of the Lord.

ChristianForCats said:

I never want to forgive people or repent for my sins. I can't stop loving things in the world and want to do what I know are sins. My knowledge and understandings of worldly things make me fear prayers for what I want are useless. Almost 23 years after being saved, I still can't think I would be happier living the way God wants me to.

It is not that I do not want to be close to God, of course. I do want to increase my faith in Him and stop pretending He is not more important than all living creatures and things on Earth. But there is no way I can make myself want to stop doing anything I love to do and liking objects I love. That would mean never eating chocolate again, for example.

Am I being a bad woman and doomed to reject God forever if I never repent, forgive, and stop wanting to sin? How can I bring myself back to wanting God more than anything else?

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If you understand how horrifying and terrible HELL is, you will hate the things of this world. I usually watch those videos about "dying and going to hell" to remind myself why i follow Jesus Christ. Remember that loving the things of this world is loving the Devil. Earth is not a small heaven but a small Hell because everything Dies on earth. HELL is DEATH. HEAVEN is ETERNAL LIFE.
Matthew 16:24 says "Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me"

ChristianForCats said:

I never want to forgive people or repent for my sins. I can't stop loving things in the world and want to do what I know are sins. My knowledge and understandings of worldly things make me fear prayers for what I want are useless. Almost 23 years after being saved, I still can't think I would be happier living the way God wants me to.

It is not that I do not want to be close to God, of course. I do want to increase my faith in Him and stop pretending He is not more important than all living creatures and things on Earth. But there is no way I can make myself want to stop doing anything I love to do and liking objects I love. That would mean never eating chocolate again, for example.

Am I being a bad woman and doomed to reject God forever if I never repent, forgive, and stop wanting to sin? How can I bring myself back to wanting God more than anything else?

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If the Lord asked you, "Do you want to do evil?"
What is your answer?
If No you have a beginning with Him.
You are very general as in things you want to do.
No "you" can't free yourself but with God all things are possible.
Everyone who sins is a slave to "Son" unless the Son sets them free. And if the Son sets you free you will be free indeed.

ChristianForCats said:

I never want to forgive people or repent for my sins. I can't stop loving things in the world and want to do what I know are sins. My knowledge and understandings of worldly things make me fear prayers for what I want are useless. Almost 23 years after being saved, I still can't think I would be happier living the way God wants me to.

It is not that I do not want to be close to God, of course. I do want to increase my faith in Him and stop pretending He is not more important than all living creatures and things on Earth. But there is no way I can make myself want to stop doing anything I love to do and liking objects I love. That would mean never eating chocolate again, for example.

Am I being a bad woman and doomed to reject God forever if I never repent, forgive, and stop wanting to sin? How can I bring myself back to wanting God more than anything else?

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Dear ChristianForCats,

Greetings.

From reading your post, I get the impression that you are familiar with the Scriptures, and understand those Passages that explain what it means to believe in Jesus.

My response to you has to do with your personal experiences in response to the Scripture instruction on faith. I also have long struggled with similar concerns as you do.

My present understanding is that,

Regarding Food: God created us with the ability to enjoy our meals. Even so, we are not to abuse our bodies by over-eating, or eating junk foods that lack the nutritional value to support health. I, personally, love certain food like chocolate, apples, those little oranges, papayas, and grapes. I also love frozen wild blueberries and frozen black cherries, which I use to make frozen smoothies, using monk fruit extract to sweeten.

I know that store bought chocolate is full of sugar and saturated fat. And, I am also aware that cocoa is healthy for me in moderation. So, what I do is make my own chocolate, using Stevia, Monk Fruit Extract, and Inulin as healthy sweeteners, and flax seed oil as an emulsifier.

So, by eating things that are delicious to me, and healthy, I help my body and mind from developing unhealthy cravings, which helps me control how much I eat.

Food is a struggle for many, but I have learned to adapt, by eating healthier whole foods that I love, and by exercising and staying active.

Regarding other things in this world that you love, I am not sure of all that you mean. As for me though, I have no ambition to drink, or go to bars or nightclubs, or get involved in any activity that I feel is dishonorable, unloving, or morally detestable to God, such as lustful or sexual relations with anyone outside of marriage. So, since I am single, I do remain celibate.

Regarding movies or other entertainment: I believe entertainment is very healthy in moderation. For instance, I am working on writing a book on a Christian topic. I work on the book, which I enjoy doing, until I get tired of it for the day - perhaps 4 or 5 hours time. After that, I need some time for leisure; so, I like to watch a movie afterwards, and read the news, and answer emails, go shopping, etc. After that, if I have time, I will work more on the book, maybe 3 more hours.

In the summer, I love taking long walks at night, and many times that gives me time to pray and mediate as well.

I love the opportunity to help people as well, and would like more opportunities like that.

I write all this to say that, if your faith is genuine, you will stay morally clean, and live out a life of love. You will take care of your body in a way that is enjoyable and satisfying. You will have entertainment, because we cannot live without some fun.

I hope this helps. I believe I am living a sanctified life onto God, dedicated to living out a life of love even though I enjoy a variety good healthy foods instead of binging on empty snacky things like donates, ice cream, chips, and things like that which will cause food addiction and over-eating, which is a recipe for disaster for your relationship with God. I love a variety of activities like walks and shopping and exercise. I love chocolate, fruits, and smoothies because they are delicious and healthy.

Blessings Dear Sister.

Love,
Steven

ChristianForCats said:

I never want to forgive people or repent for my sins. I can't stop loving things in the world and want to do what I know are sins. My knowledge and understandings of worldly things make me fear prayers for what I want are useless. Almost 23 years after being saved, I still can't think I would be happier living the way God wants me to.

It is not that I do not want to be close to God, of course. I do want to increase my faith in Him and stop pretending He is not more important than all living creatures and things on Earth. But there is no way I can make myself want to stop doing anything I love to do and liking objects I love. That would mean never eating chocolate again, for example.

Am I being a bad woman and doomed to reject God forever if I never repent, forgive, and stop wanting to sin? How can I bring myself back to wanting God more than anything else?

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Well I have a rather hard statement for you.

Did you really get saved? When one is saved we are given a new nature that desires God. that doesn't mean perfectionin life, but that our direction is constantly moving towards God (even with the occasional detour because of sin)

If you have little to no desire to follow God you have every right to think whether you just prayed a prayer or truly got saved.

But if you really desire to live for the One who loves you supremely, but are struggling with your own human nature (as we all struggle) then keep acknowledging that before the Lord.

YOu have been given all the faith you will get. You do not need more faith, but to strengthen the faith imparted to you by walking in faith. Faith is a verb that requires action.

I exhort you to be faithful to a bible believing bible preaching church that is striving to show the love of God, read the word whether you feel like it or not, and pray and worship, even if you get distracted 70X7 each time. Do what the Bible clearly commands and see if your faith and desire for the Lord both do nto grow much stronger.

There is a line in the book The Screwtape Letters where a demon who is trying to lead someone away from Christ, and failing, sa

There is a line in the book The Screwtape Letters where a demon is trying to lead someone away from Christ, and failing, and he says to Satan something like
'It's just so hard, God gave them so many great things to enjoy that aren't sin!'
I know you know, even though I do not know you, that chocolate is not a sin.
So, what are the sins you are really talking about? You can answer that for yourself, rather than online.
And, if you are a believer, I'm sure you know you need forgiveness too, and if you don't forgive, you won't be forgiven.
So, get to the true heart of the matter, at least in your own heart, before God.
Whatever sin you are doing that you know is sin, (are you hurting someone else? ) imagine someone else doing that to you, and how that would make you feel.
I just cannot believe, as a Christian, that you want to remain in sin and unforgiveness, so please, at least be honest with yourself, before God, about what you are really talking about here.

Just make a t

ChristianForCats said:

The hardest part of reading the Bible on my own is getting started. Does that make sense?

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Make a time every day to pray and read at least one chapter a day. I do it in the morning with my coffee. When I get out of the habit and then come back, I am stunned at how much beauty and relationship with God I have been missing. He is truly the only fulfilment in this life. All good things come from Him. Without Him all else is distrorted.

ChristianForCats said:

I never want to forgive people or repent for my sins. I can't stop loving things in the world and want to do what I know are sins. My knowledge and understandings of worldly things make me fear prayers for what I want are useless. Almost 23 years after being saved, I still can't think I would be happier living the way God wants me to.

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What makes you think, then, that you're actually saved?

ChristianForCats said:

It is not that I do not want to be close to God, of course. I do want to increase my faith in Him and stop pretending He is not more important than all living creatures and things on Earth. But there is no way I can make myself want to stop doing anything I love to do and liking objects I love. That would mean never eating chocolate again, for example.

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Why would living your life in submission to God mean never again eating chocolate?

ChristianForCats said:

Am I being a bad woman and doomed to reject God forever if I never repent, forgive, and stop wanting to sin? How can I bring myself back to wanting God more than anything else?

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You can't. But God can. And He will. But His way, not yours.

We can't change ourselves. We can only make more of what we are; like cats make more cats and dogs make more dogs. If we're going to be godly people, if we're going to be like Jesus, God must make us so. But He does this only as we choose to let Him do so, when we submit to His will and His way. God won't make a puppet of you, a robot programmed to act as He wants, without any freedom to do otherwise. At every step of the journey one takes with God, He is turning and saying to us, "Will you submit to me, to my lead, and let me guide you?"

Romans 8:14
14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

1 Peter 5:6
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,

James 4:7-10
7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9 Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom.
10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.

But if we've wandered off the narrow way into the ditch to play with something in it that's taken our fancy, God calls us to come out, and warns us that we should, but He will not force us out. We must choose to yield ourselves to Him, to His direction, to His will, not our own, and turn to Him to help us out of the ditch.

What, though, could prompt us to move in God's direction, against the things that please us and distract us so powerfully from Him?

Love.

Do you know - really know, not just in your head but in your heart - that God loves you beyond what you can understand? Are you deeply certain that He loves you faithfully, with a depth, and width, and height to His love of you that is mind-blowing? Until you are, until the incredible love of God for you is really settled into the fiber of your being, you will find your love for Him a wavering, shadowy thing, and so long as this is true, loving Him back, and then living in obedience to Him, will be impossible. Why? The apostle John explains:

1 John 4:19
19 We love him, because he first loved us.

Because this is so, the apostle Paul prayed for the Ephesian Christians:

Ephesians 3:17-19
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.

It is out of love that we walk with God, not out of fear, or obligation, or religious piety, or guilt. And so, we read that the First and Great Commandment is not to give up chocolate, or force yourself to do what you have no interest in doing, but as follows:

Matthew 22:36-38
36 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?"
37 And He said to him, " 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.'
38 "This is the great and foremost commandment.

Your obedience to God begins, not by giving up everything you enjoy, but in coming to love Him with all of your being. When you do, you will find a very natural, easy transition from doing what you want to doing what God wants, and you will take joy in obeying the One you long for, desire, hunger after - love - so much.

If you are God's child, you already have within you the divine Source of your love for God: the Holy Spirit.

Romans 5:5
5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

He dwells within of each of God's children, giving to them spiritual life (Titus 3:5; 1 John 4:13; Romans 8:9-11), transforming them into bright shining ambassadors of Christ, as they yield throughout each day to His will and way.

The answer, then, to your terrible struggle isn't to strive and strain against all your inclinations to be what God wants you to be, but, instead, to settle firmly and deeply into the truth of God's awesome love for you and then submit yourself to Him throughout each day. The rest God will do, altering your desires, moving toward the life for which He made you.

Philippians 2:13
13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

Colossians 2:19-23
19 and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God.
20 If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as,
21 "Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!"
22 (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men?
23 These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.

Philippians 1:6
6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.

ChristianForCats said:

It is more feeling guilty of pushing God away to think about worldly things like football (especially the NFL but also college) instead of Him and the Bible. Of course I love God a lot more than everything else. What bothers me is despite knowing I should spend more time with God and thinking about the Bible, I want to waste time thinking about things that have nothing to do with it instead.

I do not love anything more now than I love God. Every day I randomly blurt out, "What am I going to do Lord?" without thinking about it. But what I do after asking that question is never reading the Bible.


I want to spend more time with God, but not at the expense of stopping everything so that nothing in my life is unrelated to Him. Life would be boring if I spent all day every day just doing what is holy instead of also enjoying some other activities. That is human nature, right?

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YOu need not spend every waking moment thinking of HIm. You just need to make HIm the priority. We do have to deal with life. I watch football. I do other things and I don't spend every waking moment thinking of Him. But we need to make HIm a priority. If we do not read, do nto pray and do not fellowship, we make ouselves prisoners of war in te spiritual battle going on.

Salvation is free, but if you wish to know the deep abiding Joy of God that is conditioned on your obedience.

ChristianForCats said:

I hope nobody has the impression I am not saved. John 3:16 says you only need to believe in Jesus to be given eternal life, not stop sinning. Paul wrote the only requirement to be saved is believing in your heart and saying with your mouth Jesus is God. That does not say you have to stop sinning either. So I have no doubt my Christianity has remained in me despite all the sins I committed since March 16, 1997.

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But biblical belief also involces a new life and it is a verb which means action. I am not speaking of being perfect, but where is your heart.

Salvation is far more than merely giving head acknowledgement and praying a prayer. It is a surrender or yielding to allow HIm to be who He is Lord of your life.

Not perfect not sinless, not without even seasons of sin, but a deep desire to make HIm the priority in all we do.