am i the only one?

[mintaylor831]

how many of you have served God then felt like you have turned your back on him. only to find yourself in a depression wanting to know more of him. no matter how hard you try to learn of him and pray, you feel like your falling off a never ending cliff. some would call it Apostasy. but i just call it lack of faith in our Lord. Going in and out of things and thinking things that shouldnt be thought. or maybe just plain ole feeling lost. i know that being in christ is not a "feeling" but the emotion is supposed to be there right. help me to understand this better

 

[heron]

I think most Christians go through similar times, whether they call it a Dry Period or a Slump, Backsliding, Dark Valley, you name it.

Think of it in a larger scale of your entire life. Will your character eventually be built through a temporary dry time? Young birds fall out of nests before they learn to fly and build nests; canines spar with their pack to establish their place as an adult; bass viol players go through a lot of pain to build up callouses. The painful times in life are often the preparation for growth.

If you find it is you stepping away, then your awareness now is a good reminder to redirect and step up the pace. God knows that we fall. He built that into His covenant. That was the difference between Christianity and Judaism -- a provision for when we slip. Repent, believe, allow ourselves to be saved.

Believe is the tricky part. Christianity can seem in total control when we do everything it appears we are supposed to do. Read the Bible, go to church, pray, love others. But being a Christian is agreeing to walk in this Covenant of redemption.

According to our minds, we don't deserve seventy times seven forgiveness. We want to set a reasonable limit for how much forgiveness we deserve, and rest in the rightness of our sensibility. In that case, God's promises are not agreed with.

I find when I'm in similar situations, I tend to not to have faith in what He said. People stress the importance of reading the Bible daily (or more), and that is important in hearing these promises in our heads enough that we don't rationalize them away.

Make sure that your Christianity is His version, not yours. Read His promises and determine to believe that they work for you.

Some of David's Psalms have the same voice of calling out to God -- the Psalms have a lot of empathy for situations like that. David knew he was anointed to be king, but still was chased through the hills by the existing king, intent on destroying a potential rival.

 

[nChrist]

First, I think that Heron gave you a lot of good information that I agree with. There are many factors that make each Christian different and some factors that make each Christian the same. How long you've been a Christian and what fellowship you have to help you grow and mature makes a lot of difference. As an example, things aren't easy for a new Christian without support and direction to grow. For this reason and many others, I think that careful selection of where you will go to church is very important. We all need to be fed spiritual food at our maturity level and be encouraged to grow stronger in Christ.

We all should feel guilty when we do wrong or don't please God. We should each ask ourselves many questions about whether we are giving God the prominence He deserves in our lives. If we give Him just an hour each Sunday, the answer should be obvious. I think that most Christians would agree that feeding our spirits is more important than feeding our bodies if we want to be strong, happy, and fulfilled in Christ. What we do for God should be because we love Him. We should also know that the Holy Spirit lives in our hearts as a guide and comforter. This is why Christians have a more highly developed consciousness of right and wrong. If we pray and ask God to help us before we study His Word, the Holy Spirit will help us. As we start to grow, Bible Study becomes a joy - not a duty. The more we mature - the more we want to please God, but we also become more acutely aware of our weaknesses and failures. Knowledge of how unworthy we are makes us more thankful for God's Gifts, Jesus Christ, the Cross, and being set free from the curse of sin and death. Maturity means depending on God more and more in every facet of our lives. God knows how weak we are, and He loves to hear our prayers. He wants to be the Lord over our lives and the Head over our homes. Our Joy will be more full if we yield to His Will and for His Use. He truly would like to walk every step with us in this short life, but we have to invite Him and let Him. Along the way, we will all face difficulties and trials, but God will be with us if we want Him and love Him.

"To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you."
C.S. Lewis

 

[John Park]

In order for us not to get to relaxed, we go through periods of High's and Low's. In order for a high period to happen, we must go through a low period. Some of these low periods can be so bad that there are no words to describe the suffering. If you keep your faith strong and wait these low periods out, a high will come along soon. Don't enter into darkness by feeling sorry for yourself or by getting depressed. These periods are great for building your faith and trust in God. God Bless You and keep your chin up.

 

[JackB03]

I have actually gone through what you are saying. I was saved in Feb of this year and was into learning God everyday for about a month, yet I seemed to still not understand, unworthy, still sinning and just over-whelmed myself. So I turned my back. But I want to come to the light again and try whatever I can to understand without over-whelming myself. I suggest talking to a pastor or someone that is into studying about God. I think it is a motivation when you have questions and can relate to someone.

Good LUck

 

[heron]

I have actually gone through what you are saying.

Good to hear that you're drawing nearer to God again. Sometimes that first drop after conversion can be a bear.

 

[mintaylor831]

Thanks sooooo much guys. you have been a big help. i love studying and know more about God but cant seen to covenant that way i need to live at times

 

[Revived]

Heron's points have a ton of merit...very insightful. I would add that when I was in this stage, I relied heavily on Christian Music and online Christian programming/messages/sermons.

Casting Crowns and Jeremy Camp were played non-stop. In addition, I found Joyce Meyer, Robert Morris and Arnold Murray (to name a few) were and continue to be invaluable sources of inspiration.

Prayerfully,
Derrick

 

[Jeffwhosoever]

I recommend "Life in the Spirit" for all new believers because I am justing finishing it myself. Going to church and Sunday school are other means, as is reading the Bible and using a good commentary to assist you in interpreting scripture. Here is a link to the study I suggest: Life in the Spirit – Member Book | Lifeway: Biblical Solutions for Life

Jeff

 

[salida]

Remember also that we can never do enough for the Lord as we are saved by grace through faith then works is a byproduct of this. We all go through the ups and downs. When I start getting a depressed feeling-I read a scripture in Psalms and/or I pray and this feeling becomes joy.

 

[lovelyashley]

I am so happy that you posted this, because I was feeling the same way. I am just now getting back to trusting in God and reading his Word. I just hope the next time I go through a low period, I remember the advice in this thread and keep with God instead of turning my back on him.

 

[nChrist]

Brothers and Sisters,

This is a very worthy topic for all of us to think about and study. I say this because this evil world is getting more difficult for Christians every day. Our fellowship with each other is important because we can pray for each other, encourage each other, and strengthen each other in Christ. However, the vast majority of our focus should be on Jesus Christ - not men. Men fail often, and this is one reason why it's so important to forgive each other and especially love those in the household of faith - the Body of Christ. Men are weak, but Jesus Christ is always strong. It's not ironic that we many times become stronger in Christ as we go through trials and difficulties. We have friends, but we only have One Holy One who will never leave or forsake us. We must never forget that only He was willing to die on the Cross in our place when we were dead in our sins. We have life because He lives.

Think about this beautiful portion of Scripture:

Ephesians 1:17-23 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

The questions become how do we learn more about Him and how do we accept what He wants to give us. The first answers always involve prayer and study of His Word. We should already know that He loves us beyond human comprehension, and He keeps all of His Promises perfectly. He never fails. So, it's an joyful experience just to know what His Promises are to us. If we love Him, He's told us that He will work everything out for our good according to His Will. We should already know that His Will for us is always the best.

Romans 8:24-28 For in hope were we saved: but hope that is seen is not hope: for who hopeth for that which he seeth? 25 But if we hope for that which we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 26 And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered; 27 and he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.

Brothers and Sisters, we can live in Romans 8 right now if we pray and yield to God for His use. Men around us will still fail pretty often, but God will never fail. We must stop letting the failures of men effect us so much, and the only way to do that is with a Christ-Centered life. Our friends and family will still be able to hurt us, but we will be better able to forgive them and move on. I'm not hinting that we should stop trusting our friends and family, rather that we realize they are just men and put the majority of our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. At the same time, we can accept the fact that we fail often and how our failures effect others. We can pray and ask for forgiveness - both from God and whoever we have wronged.

As the times get more difficult, the best things we can do for ourselves, our families, and our friends is to pray and Study God's Word. We can do these things together, but we also need quiet and private time alone with God. He's waiting for us with arms wide open.

Philippians 4:6-9 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Love In Christ

 

[Goodwin17]

I too have been in this place as I'm sure many of us have been. I was saved in 2001, but did not allow myself to follow the faith. I turned my back on God and have lived a life full of sin. I have been paralyzed by a deep depression for a little over a year now. I finally came to the realization that the only way to overcome this depression is through Christ. I have been reading the Bible, and learning how to become a better Christian. I have felt so much better since doing these things. God bless you!

 

[Revived]

I'm inclined to share a bit of my testimony. I've had my share of doubts and have felt many of the emotions you've articulated. Personally, I had to dig deep and make a concerted effort to examine every aspect of my life to that point. With a steadfast belief that your past is your past and should only be used as a compass pointing forward, I began by recollecting every big decision I had made and the outcome of those decisions with no regard to how they were impacted (by my childhood, parenting, peer pressure, whatever). It's done and over with. Forget it.

The irony was that, when I put an end to this inner facade and allowed genuine honesty with myself, the simple fact was that I had been overwhelmingly indecisive throughout my life. I had become adept at somehow convincing myself, as well as others around me, that my decisions and actions were carefully planned, meticulously researched, based on past experiences. That I was organized, thorough, confident and trustworthy...it was all BS. I had walked through life with minimal responsibility and even less accountability. Morally, I wasn't mean-spirited in any way and I felt genuine remorse as a result of decisions gone awry but at the end of each day, I was an absolute fraud that lied on a daily basis and meandered through life on the fence with no solid convictions or foundation.

Feeling a tad crushed and slightly lost, I gathered myself and found the wherewithal and the strength to make just one decision at that point -- that my days on the fence were over. I chose Christ and even though I had many bouts in the beginning with disbelief, backsliding, the whole deal -- I persevered by breaking it down to this simple fact. I WILL NOT go back to that life. Period. I had to repeat this to myself numerous times along the way (remember, repetition created persuasion) but when I reached the point in which I could say it and live it with absolute conviction, I began to see the small victories that had somehow gone unnoticed. In retrospect, God knew exactly how to handle it. I was the greyhound and he dangled the treat just far enough ahead. I had sprinted out of the gate and by the time I looked back, I was amazed at how far I had come. The best part? I'm still on the track taking victory laps.

 

[nChrist]

Amen! - Beautiful testimonies. Thank you so much for sharing. It's such a blessing to know what God can do in our lives if we invite Him in. It's even better if we let Him take charge and be the Lord over our lives.

Love In Christ

 

[godjob674]

Indeed, very beautiful testimonies

 

[insurchoftruth]

A born again person, is like a man, who is surfing in the sea, whom the waves try to push down, but the wind helps him to stay on course and surf, in order to reach the destination or goal.



John 3:6, 1 Corinthians 1:8, 6:17,19, Romans 8:10,11, 13, Psalm 36:1, 2 Peter 1:4, 2:22, Ephesians 1:19,20, Colossians 1:27,29, John 6:63, 14:6, John 1:4, 3:16, 4:10,14, 5:26, 15:1-6 6:27,33,39,47,48,51,53,54, 7:38, 10:10, Acts 17:25, Ecclesiastes 7:20, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Corinthians 3:6, 4:10-13, 5:4, Matthew 4:4, 7:15-23, 23:27,28, Revelation 21:6, 22:1,2,15,17,19, Galatians 6:8, Colossians 2:13, Ephesians 4:18,24, Acts 3:15, Romans 8:6