Hey, am I alone in this?

[M.Schtn]

Hi everyone, I am new here so let me introduce myself first .

My name is Marit, I am 26 years old and living in The Netherlands. I have lived in Australia for 3 years also (weather is so much better haha).

I didn’t grew up in a Christian household and I have only found God when I was 17. Then at 21 I decided to get baptised but I always felt very lost. About a year ago I truly changed my life and for the first time I felt what it is like to have the Holy Spirit and I have never felt this close to God.

So naturally I wanted to part from my bad habits which was easy for me. But, I have found myself lonely in this earthly world. I have lost all my friends due to this, and also a big part of the family doesn’t accept the choices I made. Even tough I never feel alone because I have God, I do feel alone on this earth. Christianity is definitely alive in The Netherlands, but

 

[Unqualified]

You’re not alone I lost my best friend because he didn’t want to be a Christian. A lot of my family I don’t have contact anymore. But I have Jesus now and God has given me a good life apart from the world. In the world but not of the world. So I miss them but am content without them. I want these to go to heaven, I pray for them occasionally. They rejected me not I them.

 

[d taylor]

Hi everyone, I am new here so let me introduce myself first .

My name is Marit, I am 26 years old and living in The Netherlands. I have lived in Australia for 3 years also (weather is so much better haha).

I didn’t grew up in a Christian household and I have only found God when I was 17. Then at 21 I decided to get baptised but I always felt very lost. About a year ago I truly changed my life and for the first time I felt what it is like to have the Holy Spirit and I have never felt this close to God.

So naturally I wanted to part from my bad habits which was easy for me. But, I have found myself lonely in this earthly world. I have lost all my friends due to this, and also a big part of the family doesn’t accept the choices I made. Even tough I never feel alone because I have God, I do feel alone on this earth. Christianity is definitely alive in The Netherlands, but

-
​

Here is a great site with solid Biblical teachings Grace Evangelical Society . It will not be a physical person to fill your loneliness, but correctly studying The Bible, should bring some comfort to a believer in the secular world.

 

[St_Worm2]

Hello Marit (@M.Schtn), you are not alone in this, and your story is hardly unique. It is, in fact, my story too, as the very same thing happened to me 38 years ago when I finally became a believer. Quite frankly, I believe that it is probably the story of most who come to saving faith as adults, especially when their close circle of family and friends were made up of few, if any, true believers.

The Bible warns us about it (e.g. 2 Timothy 3:12), so it should not surprise us when it happens. Nevertheless, it always does.

I'll always be thankful that the Lord led me to such a wonderful church family the same week that I came to saving faith in Him (so I never experienced the loneliness that you speak of feeling), but the loss of the close relationships that I had with many of my family members and friends still hurt (oh, and I lost my job not long afterwards, as well).

Finally, you ended your OP with "Christianity is definitely alive in The Netherlands, but........". Please continue, as I'm interested to know what's happening in your country in regard to Christianity.

Thanks

God bless you!!

--David
p.s. - I see that you are a new member, so I should also say, WELCOME TO CF I'm glad that you found us and joined in the discussions with us!

Thank you too for telling us about how the Lord has been working so mightily in your life for the last several years!!

1 Thessalonians 5​

23 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. ​

.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

Hi everyone, I am new here so let me introduce myself first .

My name is Marit, I am 26 years old and living in The Netherlands. I have lived in Australia for 3 years also (weather is so much better haha).

I didn’t grew up in a Christian household and I have only found God when I was 17. Then at 21 I decided to get baptised but I always felt very lost. About a year ago I truly changed my life and for the first time I felt what it is like to have the Holy Spirit and I have never felt this close to God.

So naturally I wanted to part from my bad habits which was easy for me. But, I have found myself lonely in this earthly world. I have lost all my friends due to this, and also a big part of the family doesn’t accept the choices I made. Even tough I never feel alone because I have God, I do feel alone on this earth. Christianity is definitely alive in The Netherlands, but

Welcome! Find like minded Christians near you. This will solve the loneliness here on earth.
Blessings

 

[Zceptre]

You are not alone in what you are experiencing.

God separates those who love Him deeper for Himself. He is protecting you as well.

We are on the brink of Jesus soon return, so buckle up and hold tight, it is going to fly by.

The Bride of Christ is being purified for the Wedding.

I don't think there is an easy fix, in general, for your situation, simply because I think it is what He does to many of us.

I think God wants even more of our attention. My life has went through a pattern of this sort.

I have a feeling before long you will be ministering to other people and will be so busy you need a break.

It can feel like you are alone, but I have learned there really are two angels keeping us all company, God Himself, and people in Heaven really do know a lot more about you and what is going on with you than we know.

Matthew 18:10 for angel reference... He said we have them. They are around.

Also, when you are lonely and emotions get to you PUSH and Pray Until Something Happens.

Tell Him... ask Him to cheer you up. Tell Him you want Him to interact with you. He answers prayers. (2 Corinthians 1:20)

I have a feeling He will show up and you will forget you were lonely after He makes you laugh a few times.

Yes, God laughs. You'll just have to try it to verify it. I have no proof to offer. lol

 

[M.Schtn]

You’re not alone I lost my best friend because he didn’t want to be a Christian. A lot of my family I don’t have contact anymore. But I have Jesus now and God has given me a good life apart from the world. In the world but not of the world. So I miss them but am content without them. I want these to go to heaven, I pray for them occasionally. They rejected me not I them.

Thank you I appreciate this a lot, thank you for sharing

 

[M.Schtn]

You are not alone in what you are experiencing.

God separates those who love Him deeper for Himself. He is protecting you as well.

We are on the brink of Jesus soon return, so buckle up and hold tight, it is going to fly by.

The Bride of Christ is being purified for the Wedding.

I don't think there is an easy fix, in general, for your situation, simply because I think it is what He does to many of us.

I think God wants even more of our attention. My life has went through a pattern of this sort.

I have a feeling before long you will be ministering to other people and will be so busy you need a break.

It can feel like you are alone, but I have learned there really are two angels keeping us all company, God Himself, and people in Heaven really do know a lot more about you and what is going on with you than we know.

Matthew 18:10 for angel reference... He said we have them. They are around.

Also, when you are lonely and emotions get to you PUSH and Pray Until Something Happens.

Tell Him... ask Him to cheer you up. Tell Him you want Him to interact with you. He answers prayers. (2 Corinthians 1:20)

I have a feeling He will show up and you will forget you were lonely after He makes you laugh a few times.

Yes, God laughs. You'll just have to try it to verify it. I have no proof to offer. lol

Thank you so much for the kind words! Haha yes I will definitely pray more, God can put so many smiles on everybody’s faces

 

[M.Schtn]

-
​

Here is a great site with solid Biblical teachings Grace Evangelical Society . It will not be a physical person to fill your loneliness, but correctly studying The Bible, should bring some comfort to a believer in the secular world.

Love this idea, going to check it out! So good there is a way to be closer to God and being surrounded by other Christians. Thank you!

 

[M.Schtn]

Hello Marit (@M.Schtn), you are not alone in this, and your story is hardly unique. It is, in fact, my story too, as the very same thing happened to me 38 years ago when I finally became a believer. Quite frankly, I believe that it is probably the story of most who come to saving faith as adults, especially when their close circle of family and friends were made up of few, if any, true believers.

The Bible warns us about it (e.g. 2 Timothy 3:12), so it should not surprise us when it happens. Nevertheless, it always does.

I'll always be thankful that the Lord led me to such a wonderful church family the same week that I came to saving faith in Him (so I never experienced the loneliness that you speak of feeling), but the loss of the close relationships that I had with many of my family members and friends still hurt (oh, and I lost my job not long afterwards, as well).

Finally, you ended your OP with "Christianity is definitely alive in The Netherlands, but........". Please continue, as I'm interested to know what's happening in your country in regard to Christianity.

Thanks

God bless you!!

--David
p.s. - I see that you are a new member, so I should also say, WELCOME TO CF I'm glad that you found us and joined in the discussions with us!

Thank you too for telling us about how the Lord has been working so mightily in your life for the last several years!!

1 Thessalonians 5​

23 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. ​

.

Hi David,
Thank you so much for your beautiful words and warm welcome! And thank you for sharing your story! It is so good to know that I am not alone and I feel so powerful feeling your strength coming through the message!
I am happy I found this page and I truly see this as a connection with fellow Christians. And yes I will definitely keep you updated! We do have a lovely church which is founded by an American couple, and I do feel a bigger connection to that one just because it’s more open for the Holy Spirit.

Thank you again hope you have a great day today

 

[Lost4words]

Hey, you have us!!!! We all are your friends.....

Also, why not try and join a parish and get involved there?

God bless you my friend...

 

[Simonides]

Hi everyone, I am new here so let me introduce myself first .

My name is Marit, I am 26 years old and living in The Netherlands. I have lived in Australia for 3 years also (weather is so much better haha).

I didn’t grew up in a Christian household and I have only found God when I was 17. Then at 21 I decided to get baptised but I always felt very lost. About a year ago I truly changed my life and for the first time I felt what it is like to have the Holy Spirit and I have never felt this close to God.

So naturally I wanted to part from my bad habits which was easy for me. But, I have found myself lonely in this earthly world. I have lost all my friends due to this, and also a big part of the family doesn’t accept the choices I made. Even tough I never feel alone because I have God, I do feel alone on this earth. Christianity is definitely alive in The Netherlands, but

No sister, you are not alone. My love for Jesus Christ and refusal to compromise has cost a great deal. Jesus warned us to count that cost, and that cost will continue to rise as the stakes grow higher.

Christ made a one time payment for our sins, but for the three years leading up to Calvary, He suffered day and night. We are not above our Master. Count it all joy.

I miss my children, I likely won't be there to see my grandchildren grow up. The folks I thought were my friends have all gone away. I don't fit in anywhere, this forum is no exception.

You are not alone, and neither am I, as your story so clearly demonstrates.

Thank you for sharing.

Prayers for you in Christ's Most Holy Name.

 

[Zceptre]

I think the snow blocked your face Marit. It is the snow, I'm sure of it. He can't see it.

Don't feel insulted. You definitely look like a sister, not a brother. lol

 

[Simonides]

I think the snow blocked your face Marit. It is the snow, I'm sure of it. He can't see it.

Don't feel insulted. You definitely look like a sister, not a brother. lol

Oops. Thank you for pointing out and covering my transgression. Much appreciated. It has been corrected.

 

[com7fy8]

Hi, Marit - welcome to Christian Forums.

Yes, people can be against us and reject us. And ones might act like they accept us, so they don't look bad and they might want to use us for something; but they do not want us and there will be ways they will be sneaky to not include us in certain things.

So, appreciate that God does want you. And share with the Christian's who are a good example for you and who help you get real correction and grow in Jesus.

Your English is very good, I would say. If you are in the Netherlands, I suppose your first language could be Dutch.

As you mature more, your character will have you more sharing with God so you won't feel lonely > He satisfies us. But God does have us share with other Christians, and this helps, too.

 

[WatchmanofGod]

Hi everyone, I am new here so let me introduce myself first .

My name is Marit, I am 26 years old and living in The Netherlands. I have lived in Australia for 3 years also (weather is so much better haha).

I didn’t grew up in a Christian household and I have only found God when I was 17. Then at 21 I decided to get baptised but I always felt very lost. About a year ago I truly changed my life and for the first time I felt what it is like to have the Holy Spirit and I have never felt this close to God.

So naturally I wanted to part from my bad habits which was easy for me. But, I have found myself lonely in this earthly world. I have lost all my friends due to this, and also a big part of the family doesn’t accept the choices I made. Even tough I never feel alone because I have God, I do feel alone on this earth. Christianity is definitely alive in The Netherlands, but

 

[WatchmanofGod]

As strangers and pilgrims in this world, believers often feel out of place because our values, hopes, and ultimate citizenship are rooted in heaven, not earth (Philippians 3:20). The world operates on a system that often contradicts God’s truth, leading to feelings of isolation for those who choose to live according to His Word.

Jesus Himself acknowledged this in John 15:19:
"If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."

This sense of loneliness is a natural result of living for eternity while surrounded by temporary things. However, it also serves as a reminder to cling to God, who never leaves or forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5), and to find fellowship with other believers who share our faith and hope (Hebrews 10:25).

 

[Rescued One]

You’re not alone I lost my best friend because he didn’t want to be a Christian. A lot of my family I don’t have contact anymore. But I have Jesus now and God has given me a good life apart from the world. In the world but not of the world. So I miss them but am content without them. I want these to go to heaven, I pray for them occasionally. They rejected me not I them.

I have been extremely depressed because people who may or may not be Christians have
judged me. Why has God allowed this sorrow? I received this revelation: draw closer to God.

16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16

There are many verses in Hebrews that are meant to instruct and encourage us.

Hebrews 7:25, and 11:26, and Chapter 12.


GOD BE WITH YOU!

 

[WatchmanofGod]

I have been extremely depressed because people who may or may not be Christians have
judged me. Why has God allowed this sorrow? I received this revelation: draw closer to God.

16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16

There are many verses in Hebrews that are meant to instruct and encourage us.

Hebrews 7:25, and 11:26, and Chapter 12.


GOD BE WITH YOU!

"The path to spiritual maturity is often through seasons of trial. The Lord leads us in ways we would not choose, and He gives us what we do not want, in order that He may form us into what He intends us to be."

Charles Spurgeon, often referred to as the "Prince of Preachers," struggled deeply with depression throughout his life. His honesty about his emotional and spiritual battles has offered comfort and solidarity to many. Here are a few of his quotes regarding depression:

1. On the intensity of depression:
“I could say with Job, ‘My soul chooseth strangling rather than life.’ I could readily enough have laid violent hands upon myself, to escape from my misery of spirit.”
(Lecture to My Students, “The Minister’s Fainting Fits”)


2. On the weight of despair:
“There are dungeons beneath the castles of despair, and in those dungeons, many of God’s children are even now imprisoned.”
(Lecture to My Students)


3. On the paradox of depression in ministry:
“I am the subject of depression so fearful that I hope none of you ever gets to such extremes of wretchedness as I go to.”
(Lecture to My Students)


4. On the need for compassion toward the depressed:
“Fits of depression come over the most of us. Usually cheerful as we may be, we must at intervals be cast down. The strong are not always vigorous, the wise not always ready, the brave not always courageous, and the joyous not always happy.”
(Lectures to My Students)


5. On the hidden struggles of believers:
“The mind can descend far lower than the body, for in it there are bottomless pits. The flesh can bear only a certain number of wounds and no more, but the soul can bleed in ten thousand ways, and die over and over again each hour.”
(Lectures to My Students)



Spurgeon viewed his depression as a means through which God refined him, though it was excruciating. His vulnerability in speaking about it has encouraged countless believers who face similar struggles.




-Charles Spurgeon

 

[Rescued One]

"The path to spiritual maturity is often through seasons of trial. The Lord leads us in ways we would not choose, and He gives us what we do not want, in order that He may form us into what He intends us to be."

Charles Spurgeon, often referred to as the "Prince of Preachers," struggled deeply with depression throughout his life. His honesty about his emotional and spiritual battles has offered comfort and solidarity to many. Here are a few of his quotes regarding depression:

1. On the intensity of depression:
“I could say with Job, ‘My soul chooseth strangling rather than life.’ I could readily enough have laid violent hands upon myself, to escape from my misery of spirit.”
(Lecture to My Students, “The Minister’s Fainting Fits”)


2. On the weight of despair:
“There are dungeons beneath the castles of despair, and in those dungeons, many of God’s children are even now imprisoned.”
(Lecture to My Students)


3. On the paradox of depression in ministry:
“I am the subject of depression so fearful that I hope none of you ever gets to such extremes of wretchedness as I go to.”
(Lecture to My Students)


4. On the need for compassion toward the depressed:
“Fits of depression come over the most of us. Usually cheerful as we may be, we must at intervals be cast down. The strong are not always vigorous, the wise not always ready, the brave not always courageous, and the joyous not always happy.”
(Lectures to My Students)


5. On the hidden struggles of believers:
“The mind can descend far lower than the body, for in it there are bottomless pits. The flesh can bear only a certain number of wounds and no more, but the soul can bleed in ten thousand ways, and die over and over again each hour.”
(Lectures to My Students)



Spurgeon viewed his depression as a means through which God refined him, though it was excruciating. His vulnerability in speaking about it has encouraged countless believers who face similar struggles.




-Charles Spurgeon

Thank you. May God help all of us rely on Him through Whom we have the victory.