Getting a life

[InnocenceCannon]

I'm tired of being kicked around by life and letting it control my destiny. I think I big step to my ultimate happiness would be to actually get a life/to have a routine.

I haven't had a real routine since my childhood, I just lived to please myself. Lately, I've tried to get myself to get together, but I have no idea where to start. I've tried adding things to my life like they recommend, like going to the gym, taking walks, etc. But it just feels like I'm adding things to my life to pretend that I have substance.


What I ask is, how do I arrange a meaningful life for myself?

 

[warrrior4him007]

I'm tired of being kicked around by life and letting it control my destiny. I think I big step to my ultimate happiness would be to actually get a life/to have a routine.

I haven't had a real routine since my childhood, I just lived to please myself. Lately, I've tried to get myself to get together, but I have no idea where to start. I've tried adding things to my life like they recommend, like going to the gym, taking walks, etc. But it just feels like I'm adding things to my life to pretend that I have substance.


What I ask is, how do I arrange a meaningful life for myself?

yes a routine is a good start how bout starting with the basics
goal setting
set a goal each day that you know you can acheive like going out for awalk andmeeting ppl for lunch or just to take bath very day
iknow idont no you but i know depression
do things to buid your self esteem

 

[cardfan1]

It sounds like you're searching for a little more in life, which is great.

For whatever reason you have been bouncing around in life, getting a routine may not solve all your problems, although it could help in many aspects. You may have to go a little deeper than that. The reason you feel that adding walks and working out lacks bringing about some all-fullfilling meaning in life is because these are not things intended to bring about a sense of permanent satisfaction, peace or fulfillment. Yes, they can provide much joy and temporary satisfaction, but like any other activity, they are only short lived. Movies, sports, activities, entertainment, excersice, etc. just can't provide that complete sense of purpose that people search for in life. Some search at the top of the corporate ladder, some search in the bottom of a liquor bottle, some search in the depths of the wilderness, and some search in the shallows of modern society. But you will never find a higher purpose if you don't look for something higher than what this world can provide.

From what you said, you are searching for that 'ulitmate happiness' and wish to 'control your destiny'. Please understand brother that you will never be in full control of your life. There is no occupation, situation, or circumstance in which you will ever be in full control of your life. Only God is fully in control. An accident, disease, falling in love, whatever, could all change your path in life. What you do with these changes and choices is what determines your path, dictates your happiness, and defines who you are.

I don't know if you are saved or not. If not and you are on a Christian website, I'm guessing you've heard it all before. But I urge you to remember Jesus said that all who drink of His cup and eat of His bread will never thirst and will never hunger. Think about it, if God made you, He knows all about you. He knows your likes, your dislikes, and what makes you happy. He even knows what will satisfy your thirst for having a more purposeful life. And the bible says that the only way to heaven and an everlasting life is through Jesus Christ. I guarantee you He has the answers.

As far as where to start, pick up a bible. Read Romans 3:23, John 3:3, John 3:16, the book of Romans. If you are depressed (i'm only speculating since you are in the depression forum), go see a counselor or psychologist. I would reccommend seeing a good Christian counselor first who may be able to direct you in a better direction.

Also, I think being completely honest with yourself is a must when searching for those deeper answers.

I'm not very big on self-help books and all these other 'feel-good' books. (not that they're bad, they're just not my thing). But I did read that popular book, "Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. Maybe not the deepest book I've ever read, but it definitely helped. It may provide a little help for you too.

In any case, I hope and pray you may find that meaning in your life. I pray that you know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. He loves you more than you know, and He definitely has the answers. God bless

 

[InnocenceCannon]

Yes, I guess I am what you call saved. Though I don't believe I'm there just yet, since I think I need to earn my place in the afterlife, and I definielty am not there yet.

What I'm questioning is... I have noticed that nothing I do seems to help with my feelings of unimportance. And I did realize that the only way I'll really overcome it is by turning to God for help then any other quick fixes there are out there. Things get much more complicated though. There is always the fact that I'm in a situation that my decisions will determine my life (high school, last year), and I hate to use such selfish words, but I don't have time to slowly heal over years. I literally only have now to get over it and enjoy my last year of childhood.



I also worry about the fact that I can't just pray to God to solve my problems, then do my own thing. I have to actually try to put in effort on my own to heal also. I highly doubt God would bother with me if I prayed for something like a genie, then went and did whatever expecting it to happen like a wish. That's why I ask what can I do on my own to arrange a life for myself so I can recieve a blessing.

 

[cardfan1]

Yes, I guess I am what you call saved. Though I don't believe I'm there just yet, since I think I need to earn my place in the afterlife, and I definielty am not there yet.

What I'm questioning is... I have noticed that nothing I do seems to help with my feelings of unimportance. And I did realize that the only way I'll really overcome it is by turning to God for help then any other quick fixes there are out there. Things get much more complicated though. There is always the fact that I'm in a situation that my decisions will determine my life (high school, last year), and I hate to use such selfish words, but I don't have time to slowly heal over years. I literally only have now to get over it and enjoy my last year of childhood.

I also worry about the fact that I can't just pray to God to solve my problems, then do my own thing. I have to actually try to put in effort on my own to heal also. I highly doubt God would bother with me if I prayed for something like a genie, then went and did whatever expecting it to happen like a wish. That's why I ask what can I do on my own to arrange a life for myself so I can recieve a blessing.

First off, please understand that the bible teaches that you cannot earn your way to heaven. If you are trying to do something in life to receive some blessing from the Lord, you will never get it. There is NOTHING you can do to gain any favor with the Lord or get any closer to heaven. What were Christ's last words on the cross? -"It is finished." Finished. ALL that ever needed to be done in order for humans to receive salvation was done in the finished work of Christ. Being a good person, doing good deeds, being charitable, going to church, praying, reading the bible, witnessing, tithing, etc... none of these will get you any closer to salvation or heaven. While they are all expected of a Christian, they are only actions or deeds that help you develop in your Christian walk.

The bible says that in order to see the kingdom of heaven, we must be born-again. (John 3:3) It doesn't say we need to be born again and again and again. Also, saying something and truly believing and following something are two different things. In order to RECEIVE salvation, you need to realize that you are a sinner, then ask Jesus into your life. It is a gift that God has given us, not some award we win. When an individual truly repents and asks Christ into their life, they are saved. end of story. That is what is so beautiful about Jesus, and why His crucifiction and resurrection really are that important. Jesus would never have gone through what He did if the rest of humanity had to earn their way into heaven.

So getting back to it, every human is either saved or not. Either that individual has accepted Christ's Gift of salvation or they haven't. I like this analogy - every human in the world has THE winning lotery ticket, it is up to that individual to cash it in or not. it's funny how many people don't cash it in.

You are correct in saying that you should turn to God to find the meaningful things in life rather than some quick fix. And yes, you will still be expected to do things such as pray, read the bible, go to church, etc. But it is the Lord who will change you from within. not you. and what better way for the Lord to change you and reveal to you meaning in your life than when you are worshipping Him. But remember that these things don't earn you salvation (that is a finished gift from Christ), but they will help you grow as a person and as a Christian.

So your first step would be to repent of your sins and ask Jesus into your life. After that you can relax. It doesn't matter what you do, your Christ's. God loves you more than you can possibly fathom, and He wants you to make the right decisions and go to heaven.

And I know what you mean about the anxiety that comes with those decisions early in life and how they can shape your path. (i.e. college, marriage, jobs, friends, money, where to live) I'm only 26 and I just went through a lot of that. In fact, a big reason why i have depression is that i worried about these things so much and analyzed them so much that I drove myself crazy. you can't make all the right decisions brother, but you can make THE right decision in Christ. and don't worry about this being the last year of your childhood. my dad is 54 and he's still a kid in that he gets more excited and pumped about the smallest things. don't let people scare you - growing up and the 'real world' aren't that bad. you can handle it.

Sorry this is getting long, but I hope and pray that you know Jesus, and that you can find peace in all your decisions in life. (If you want biblical verses to support what I've said, please let me know. I just need to look a few back up, i just don't have em all memorized yet.)

I wish you well. God bless.

In Christ...

 

[AWorkInProgress]

I'm tired of being kicked around by life and letting it control my destiny. I think I big step to my ultimate happiness would be to actually get a life/to have a routine.

I haven't had a real routine since my childhood, I just lived to please myself. Lately, I've tried to get myself to get together, but I have no idea where to start. I've tried adding things to my life like they recommend, like going to the gym, taking walks, etc. But it just feels like I'm adding things to my life to pretend that I have substance.


What I ask is, how do I arrange a meaningful life for myself?

I know exactly what you mean. All I can tell you is freedom in Christ is the stepping stone to beginning of a new life.

I want you to realize that no one is going to save you but yourself. This forum, Christ, our Great Father, word fo God, good folks here, church, resources online or at school. They are all tools for you to use to pick yourself up. Do not be satificed with "I don't know".

Matthew 7:7
7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

Proverbs 19:8
8 To acquire wisdom is to love oneself;
people who cherish understanding will prosper.

Inside you is a child of God, but it is buryed under the garbage that life taught and thrown at you. Learn who you are and become what you are meant to be, you. We all have talents on loan from God, find out what yours are.

 

[InnocenceCannon]

So in summary of what responses I'm getting...


Since I've already given my life to God, I just pray about happiness and live life and I'll recieve it when I'm ready?

And while I'm waiting to be blessed, I just do nothing and try to ride out storms that come my way?

 

[cardfan1]

So in summary of what responses I'm getting...


Since I've already given my life to God, I just pray about happiness and live life and I'll recieve it when I'm ready?

And while I'm waiting to be blessed, I just do nothing and try to ride out storms that come my way?

I guess one thing I should mention is that I am just another Christian. I have given my life to Christ. I don't know your full situation, in fact only you and the Lord know that, so I don't have all the answers. I understand if you question my posts and what I write - I'm just trying to help in any way I can.

But believe me when I tell you that I do know what you are going through. I am an analytical person and tend to take things deeper than most. I am not satisfied with people just telling me something. I want to read it, experience it, and explore the depths of it. But what happens with me is that I usually go too far and read into things too much. And when you take that approach with your spiritual life, it can almost drive you crazy.

So in response to your post, if you are searching for salvation or a deeper meaning, yeah, it's very simple, just ask Jesus into your life. It's very simple in concept, but it can be very difficult in practice. consider it 'growing pains'. And happiness is more of a choice, or in some way a realization of the blessings you do have, not something you wait for.

Put it this way. Before someone is saved, they are on a fast track to hell. If you know anything about hell, it is a very terrible place of endless torture for eternity. that's forever. when someone comes to the realization that they are on this path and turns towards Jesus, then they are saved from this eternal damnation. Think about it, if you were on your way to spend eternity in hell, and now just by making a decision to follow Christ you are not going to hell... just that alone should bring anyone a complete sense of joy and peace in their lives. hence, you come to a realization of your situation that produces happiness. in other words, count your blessings. I guarantee you you have more than you know. believe me, everyone is ready for happiness, it's just that sometimes we just don't know how to see it, or don't choose to see it.

and as for waiting to be blessed. I would bet that you have many blessings in your life already. no matter what trial or trials you are going through right now, those blessings are right there in your life. In America today especially, we tend to put a price on happiness. But think about those who don't have anything - they would feel blessed and overjoyed at having what you have. We just fall into putting things into relativity, we try to relate to what everyone else has and use those around us to set the bar for our own happiness.

So on one side, don't forget to stop, relax, and realize all the blessings you have around you. And at the same time, if you are searching for answers or purpose, you may have to get off your butt and go out and do a little searching for yourself. in other words, you yourself should physically pick up a bible and find out what it says. Or you may have to get up and go to church and talk to other people and find out what makes them so happy. I or anyone else on here can only provide a little advice or personnal experience, don't measure your happiness or blessings based on what I or anyone else says. If you are really searching and truely believe in the Lord, you will find what you are looking for. I hope this helps.

In Christ...

 

[AWorkInProgress]

So in summary of what responses I'm getting...


Since I've already given my life to God, I just pray about happiness and live life and I'll recieve it when I'm ready?

And while I'm waiting to be blessed, I just do nothing and try to ride out storms that come my way?

So in response to your post, if you are searching for salvation or a deeper meaning, yeah, it's very simple, just ask Jesus into your life. It's very simple in concept, but it can be very difficult in practice. consider it 'growing pains'. And happiness is more of a choice, or in some way a realization of the blessings you do have, not something you wait for.

All I can tell you is that becoming a follower of Christ doesn't mean get to put your feet up and let someone else do the work. It is beginning of a life long journey of self improvement and achieving your full potiential. Only limitations in life are the ones self imposed.

If you sat down and make your focus inward instead of outward. You will see your own flaws, and you will find who you were meant to be. As we grow up in world drowning in sin, we pick up garbage and think that is way we are. Reality is God made us, and bible is like instruction manual on how we work. Teachings of Jesus and wisdom found in the bible will help bring you above the rest.

Luke 6:46-49
Building on a Solid Foundation

46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? 47 I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. 48 It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. 49 But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”

Proverbs 11:30
The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life;a wise person wins friends.

Proverbs 15:14
A wise person is hungry for knowledge,while the fool feeds on trash.

Proverbs 19:20
Get all the advice and instruction you can,so you will be wise the rest of your life.

Proverbs 24:5
The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.

hehe proverbs junkie here lol You get the point. You are capable of great deal and can rise above others, but only if you find yourself and seek wisdom. Lord will help you with that.

EDIT: oh one other thing. Go easy on yourself, remember that only been one human that been perfect. Rest of us fall far from that. As you grow, your going to stumble. Do not focus or get lost in the stumble, learn from it and pick yourself back up. Eventually you will stop stumbling.

 

[DoubtingThomas29]

It sounds to me like the opening poster is collecting disability. I seriously would think about learning about computers like computer aided design and work on protecting yourself in the unfortunate case that Social Security up and took your benefit away and said "Too bad you got to work," I recommend work for like $6.00 an hour for twenty hours a week that way you won't go over the amount that you are told to stay under and be considered disabled, don't work under the table if you can help it, you want to feel like you are payingtaxs like everybody else, but really learn about computers, and make friends with the nice people in your class who want to be your friend. School is a great way to meet people, like talk to your doctor and find out how many classes you can take and still be considered disabled, but only talk to your doctor if he is on your side, and won't tell Social security you are not disabled, you don't want to lose your benefit.

 

[InnocenceCannon]

Sounds good, it looks like I'll just tough it out like always.


I might as well ask a new question I've been thinking about so we can save a new topic.


So I'm doing what you guys recommend, praying, getting to know the word, etc. But I've started to feel like I'm being withheld a blessing from God.

I've been reading the bible lately, and Deuteronomy has been catching my attention. Literally just a few people sin, and God commands Moses to completely obliterate whole societies. Some of the people pray and such, but God ignores them because of what they have done.

I feel the same way in my situation. I want to change, so I start praying for more will and such and changing my ways. Then while I'm waiting for my blessing, I slip up because I don't have the will to resist my tempations yet. So I end up miserable; I almost feel like I'm being punished for what I did. So I make amends and start over fresh. And the cycle begins again as I can't keep my resistance up long enough to recieve a blessing.


What is your opinion on this?