Losing motivation

[ToBeBlessed]

I thought christians were to care for one another - if one is giving out another could be supportive, present, encouraging - that is why I posted here.




I agree with you that christian music is uplifting but I couldn't listen continually to a christian station. So I just listen to CDs mostly,



Not really a big fan of the distinction christian / secular though - if someone is a mature christian and artist their faith will be evident in all their works - like JS Bach. If the singer / songwriter /musician denies the eternal or transcendent then that is different - that is secularised music. But some non-christians are close to true art, because their art is not merely self-expression.

Kenny G for instance I find deadening because he is seems to only care about self-expression : he says for instance: " I just play for myself, the way I play, and it comes out sounding like me."

But John Coltrane another and earlier saxophonist I just listened to and even though hes not a christian he clearly is not stuck in subjectivism and therefore I find his music enlivening, and even sometimes humbling.

He expressed his philosophy of music like this:

"Overall, I think the main thing a musician would like to do is to give a picture to the listener of the many wonderful things he knows and senses in the universe. That's what music is to me - its just another way of saying this is a big, beautiful universe we live in, that's been given to us, and here is an example of just how magnificient and encompassing it is. That's what I would like to do. I think that is one of the greatest things you can do in life, and we all try to do it in some way. The musician's is through his music." - John Coltrane

I use to 'think' a lot as you do. But overthinking is a strategy of the enemy. Overthinking removes the joy of living in and being a part of each moment.

The problem with thinking to much is that we are all growing and experiencing new things constantly. No matter how much thinking you do, because you are constantly growing and maturing you will never (or I couldn't) come to a place where your thinking is complete or over.

It is like a circle and you will go back over and over and over. We are really wasting so much of our lives in thought, in our own heads instead of living and experiencing.

I remind myself of the scripture

"Be still and know that I am God"

Try it. It's almost impossible not to think at first, but it get's easier as you do it.

 

[Restoresmysoul]

Thinking too much isn't bad, thinking the wrong thoughts is what tears us down. And sometimes we do need to be still and wait on God, but even then thinking is present, but our thoughts must be on waiting on the Lord. Fears and restlessness will come, pain and hardship as well, but those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. It took me a long time to learn this. The enemy comes in our mind and sows fear and confusion, we must wait on the Lord and resist the temptation to freak out in our confusion, this is the answer in my opinion.

 

[dms1972]

Thankyou for the replies and prayers. Since I started the thread I have started to find a bit more motivation and in seeking to encourage others. I'm keeping going and with a small writing project I started.

I still don't think it needs to be an either / or between faith and medication.

 

[Restoresmysoul]

Thankyou for the replies and prayers. Since I started the thread I have started to find a bit more motivation and in seeking to encourage others. I'm keeping going and with a small writing project I started.

I still don't think it needs to be an either / or between faith and medication.

I'm glad to be here as well. Praise the Lord. I take Trazodone to help me fall asleep. Im not sure if too much caffeine keeps me awake or not, but regardless i think that my mind wonders and i cannot sleep. Sometimes i will fall asleep peaceably only to wake up shortly after with a panic attack or something. I don't have a doctor, or Health insurance, but i know someone who gives me trazodone. IT's helpful.

 

[dms1972]

I use to 'think' a lot as you do. But overthinking is a strategy of the enemy. Overthinking removes the joy of living in and being a part of each moment.

The problem with thinking to much is that we are all growing and experiencing new things constantly. No matter how much thinking you do, because you are constantly growing and maturing you will never (or I couldn't) come to a place where your thinking is complete or over.

It is like a circle and you will go back over and over and over. We are really wasting so much of our lives in thought, in our own heads instead of living and experiencing.

I remind myself of the scripture

"Be still and know that I am God"

Try it. It's almost impossible not to think at first, but it get's easier as you do it.

Like everything it requires balance - I have been through that "not thinking" phase and before that overthinking and introspection. People taking from one extreme to another.

Faith isn't the same as thinking, but true faith doesn't exclude thought. Faith seeking understanding. We'll never understand everything but we are to 'get understanding' its what the writer of Proverbs says - but Trust comes first.

 

[Restoresmysoul]

Sometimes i wonder if i suffer from PTSD, im not sure but either way, the Lord is our strength in all things.

 

[dms1972]

I'm glad to be here as well. Praise the Lord. I take Trazodone to help me fall asleep. Im not sure if too much caffeine keeps me awake or not, but regardless i think that my mind wonders and i cannot sleep. Sometimes i will fall asleep peaceably only to wake up shortly after with a panic attack or something. I don't have a doctor, or Health insurance, but i know someone who gives me trazodone. IT's helpful.

Well I take med occasionally for sleep also. Be careful though with were you get the med and that you get it from someone who is genuine.

 

[ToBeBlessed]

Like everything it requires balance - I have been through that "not thinking" phase and before that overthinking and introspection. People taking from one extreme to another.

Faith isn't the same as thinking, but it true faith doesn't exclude thought.

I didn't say faith was the same as thinking.

However, when you are thinking it makes it very difficult to hear the Holy Spirit. One can monopolize their own mind. That's what I'm saying. I've done that, just sharing my journey.

Peace.

 

[KnowHisJoy77]

Thinking too much isn't bad, thinking the wrong thoughts is what tears us down. And sometimes we do need to be still and wait on God, but even then thinking is present, but our thoughts must be on waiting on the Lord. Fears and restlessness will come, pain and hardship as well, but those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. It took me a long time to learn this. The enemy comes in our mind and sows fear and confusion, we must wait on the Lord and resist the temptation to freak out in our confusion, this is the answer in my opinion.

The thinking solution is given by the living Word in Philippians 4:8


The Lord left us with a gif the world cant give, peace of heart and mind in Him. Many feeding themselves constant unrest of bad news by midia as if they were still of this world and belong to the kingdom of darkness..fear is not of God. Forgetting the past looking forward pressing on to the goal. .we must gain mental control and than we will gain emotional control..we are instructed to exercise guard, filter our thought life bring all captive to Christ and apply Phillipians 4 : 8. .

Many know what to do but dont. We are lazy and then we complain much why me and my..

 

[Restoresmysoul]

Well I take med occasionally for sleep also. Be careful though with were you get the med and that you get it from someone who is genuine.

Its prescribed by an MD.

 

[Restoresmysoul]

The thinking solution is given by the living Word in Philippians 4:8


The Lord left us with a gif the world cant give, peace of heart and mind in Him. Many feeding themselves constant unrest of bad news by midia as if they were still of this world and belong to the kingdom of darkness..fear is not of God. Forgetting the past looking forward pressing on to the goal. .we must gain mental control and than we will gain emotional control..we are instructed to exercise guard, filter our thought life bring all captive to Christ and apply Phillipians 4 : 8. .

Many know what to do but dont. We are lazy and then we complain much why me and my..

These comments are not directed at you personally, so please don't take me wrong. I don't belong to the Kingdom of darkness, i don't live in constant fear, i have finally, after a long time, obtained mental control over my emotions, yet when i fall asleep i have no control. Even David had sleepless nights and fear, the Apostles too. Sometimes Christians take peace too far, they judge others but they don't understand what they are going through. The Apostles lived in fear many times, but they also allowed the Power of Christ to get them through it. Untested faith is not faith at all. If someone has everything good going for them then what do they need faith for? We will have tribulation in this life,, but in Christ we find strength to overcome, one battle at a time. Are we ever free from tribulation? I don''t think so. I once heard a preacher say that if you have never ran face first into the devil then you must be going the wrong way. I choose to move forward in faith, following Paul's example, i cannot allow Christians who do not have any tribulation in their lives to put stumbling blocks of doubt and fear in my way.



2 Co 1


Greeting
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Comfort in Suffering
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

Delivered from Suffering
8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, 10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does[a] deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, 11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.

Paul’s Sincerity
12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.

 

[KnowHisJoy77]

I don't take your comments personaly, but you seemed to have taken my personalily..I was trying to address the "thinking struggles" and Scripture is very clear about "how to"..all have to learn and according to God..Bible is the manual..and although I am not walking in your shoes, I sure have personal experience with trials and tribulations common to all men. The One perfect is Jesus Christ, all are broken in need of a Redeemer. In this world we will have tribulation and we must take heart as the Lord says. There are many who belongs to the Kingdom of God and light and lives if still in darkness for lack of understanding and ignorance for what God says in His Word. We must repent of unbelief and ignorance and start not only following Jesus but learning from Him and applying His Word into our lives. That I say that to myself and everybody else, because that is the will of God that we grow in grace and stop to making excuses, we humans are full of it..to keep on learning and growing in Him till the end. The Living Word is powerful, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth. He is the One working in us.

Grace!

These comments are not directed at you personally, so please don't take me wrong. I don't belong to the Kingdom of darkness, i don't live in constant fear, i have finally, after a long time, obtained mental control over my emotions, yet when i fall asleep i have no control. Even David had sleepless nights and fear, the Apostles too. Sometimes Christians take peace too far, they judge others but they don't understand what they are going through. The Apostles lived in fear many times, but they also allowed the Power of Christ to get them through it. Untested faith is not faith at all. If someone has everything good going for them then what do they need faith for? We will have tribulation in this life,, but in Christ we find strength to overcome, one battle at a time. Are we ever free from tribulation? I don''t think so. I once heard a preacher say that if you have never ran face first into the devil then you must be going the wrong way. I choose to move forward in faith, following Paul's example, i cannot allow Christians who do not have any tribulation in their lives to put stumbling blocks of doubt and fear in my way.



2 Co 1


Greeting
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Comfort in Suffering
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

Delivered from Suffering
8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, 10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does[a] deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, 11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.

Paul’s Sincerity
12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.

 

[Restoresmysoul]

I don't take your comments personaly, but you seemed to have taken my personalily..I was trying to address the "thinking struggles" and Scripture is very clear about "how to"..all have to learn and according to God..Bible is the manual..and although I am not walking in your shoes, I sure have personal experience with trials and tribulations common to all men. The One perfect is Jesus Christ, all are broken in need of a Redeemer. In this world we will have tribulation and we must take heart as the Lord says. There are many who belongs to the Kingdom of God and light and lives if still in darkness for lack of understanding and ignorance for what God says in His Word. We must repent of unbelief and ignorance and start not only following Jesus but learning from Him and applying His Word into our lives. That I say that to myself and everybody else, because that is the will of God that we grow in grace and stop to making excuses, we humans are full of it..to keep on learning and growing in Him till the end. The Living Word is powerful, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth. He is the One working in us.

Grace!

Thank you, i didn't take your's personally but i take the subject personally. I dont believe im walking in ignorance, i believe that i'm walking in faith and truth. But only God knows for sure.

 

[Restoresmysoul]

I have joy, but peace is complicated. What is peace? I just came to this verse earlier, it seems relevant to my life i think.

Luke 12:9 “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! 51 Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth?

 

[KnowHisJoy77]

I have joy, but peace is complicated. What is peace? I just came to this verse earlier, it seems relevant to my life i think.

Luke 12:9 “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! 51 Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth?

Why come you embrace joy and find peace complicated? They come from the same Source..as made peace with God by Jesus works at the Cross and we belong to Him forever. .and Galatians 5:22 says that peace is a fruit..the Holy Spirit gives peace...now we do know, by so many testimonies in the faith that many suffering had peace..Paul suffered so much in his body still had joy and peace..I have dear friends in the faith going through horrible sufferings brought by cancer and other illness. .they hold their peace in Jesus and all are men like us..no superhumans.. but focus on Jesus promises saying to let His peace rule in our hearts...and do not let out heart be trouble. .choosing to believe and take the promises inside..and yes the Holy Spirit will honor and we have our strength renewed in times of troubles and Jesus peace is ours indeed , it lifts us up ..Colossians 3:15 we must take hold of it...

 

[KnowHisJoy77]

English is my 2nd language. .first Portuguese. .if I sound strange and writing broken thats the reason..

I am writing on my phone its kind of small and etc..

My intent is to encourage all to keep pressing and trusting Lord Jesus! ♥

I always have been an upbeat personality and positive extroverted. .until I got deep depression for couple years..I know that awful pit! That is not a good place but a prison. Lord have mercy and He has mercy and grace, hope joy peace and Love! ♥

 

[Restoresmysoul]

Why come you embrace joy and find peace complicated? They come from the same Source..as made peace with God by Jesus works at the Cross and we belong to Him forever. .and Galatians 5:22 says that peace is a fruit..the Holy Spirit gives peace...now we do know, by so many testimonies in the faith that many suffering had peace..Paul suffered so much in his body still had joy and peace..I have dear friends in the faith going through horrible sufferings brought by cancer and other illness. .they hold their peace in Jesus and all are men like us..no superhumans.. but focus on Jesus promises saying to let His peace rule in our hearts...and do not let out heart be trouble. .choosing to believe and take the promises inside..and yes the Holy Spirit will honor and we have our strength renewed in times of troubles and Jesus peace is ours indeed , it lifts us up ..Colossians 3:15 we must take hold of it...

When our faith is tested we often find it difficult, i find my peace in heaven, not this world. Sure i experience peace but i also experience tribulation and anguish. This to me seems like what the Apostles said would happen. How much peace did the apostles have when they were hiding behind the temple walls, in fear of the Jews?

 

[Restoresmysoul]

I don't know, i just look at these men and think that maybe peace isn't always what we think it is.

Romans 9:9 I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart.


Psalm 55:4 My heart is severely pained within me,
And the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
5 Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me,
And horror has overwhelmed me.

 

[ToBeBlessed]

King David wrote many of the Psalms when he was in a rough place and in anguish. Many times he calls out to God in them. Asks God for His mercy, love and peace.

King David had faith and he used that faith to cry out to God when he needed to.

Psalms 13
"For the leader. A psalm of David.

How long, LORD? Will you utterly forget me?
How long will you hide your face from me?

How long must I carry sorrow in my soul,
grief in my heart day after day?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?

Look upon me, answer me, LORD, my God!
Give light to my eyes lest I sleep in death,

Lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed,”
lest my foes rejoice at my downfall.

But I trust in your mercy.
Grant my heart joy in your salvation,

I will sing to the LORD,
for he has dealt bountifully with me!

 

[Restoresmysoul]

King David wrote many of the Psalms when he was in a rough place and in anguish. Many times he calls out to God in them. Asks God for His mercy, love and peace.

King David had faith and he used that faith to cry out to God when he needed to.

Psalms 13
"For the leader. A psalm of David.

How long, LORD? Will you utterly forget me?
How long will you hide your face from me?

How long must I carry sorrow in my soul,
grief in my heart day after day?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?

Look upon me, answer me, LORD, my God!
Give light to my eyes lest I sleep in death,

Lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed,”
lest my foes rejoice at my downfall.

But I trust in your mercy.
Grant my heart joy in your salvation,

I will sing to the LORD,
for he has dealt bountifully with me!

Amen, i use Davids example often, i wait on the Lord for example. I learned that from David.