Out in the wilderness

[Christisai]

Hi. I'm new here and yet already need advice. I have been trying to help others emotionally and spritually for a while now. Things seemed to be going well until a few months ago when suddenly there was an 'emptiness' in me and also the people that usually contacted me are 'not available' when i contact them. This is spilling over into all aspects of my life - family, work, finances. I have to admit I have had my 'dips' in the past yet listening to Gods word via His book and especially music, has usually pulled me through and now - nothing! This is scaring me and, being a sinner and human, i have gotten angry and told The Lord i am willing to 'call it quits' even though I know that He has done so much for me (I remember how I was before). I have tried to speak to 'fellow' christians but they are so involved in themselves they say two words then leave.

I feel like I'm drowning and reading The Bible does not appear to be helping. Listening to righteous people always helped but now........
O don't know anymore!
Please give some layman advice, not read this, read that - I have, over and over!!!

 

[alittlefish]

Hello. A few things came to mind while reading your post. Not knowing anything about your relationship with God or the emptiness you're feeling, I just wanted to add my 2 cents. I trust God to make it stick with you if it's applicable:
a) I don't think you can call it quits. I've tried, rebelliously and unintentionally by ignoring Him. Still, He owns me, and I can never truly hide from him. I think acceptance of this fact is part of submission. Don't threaten him! He will always be there whether you choose to acknowledge him or not.
b) Be encouraged! I've always preferred the image of the "refiner's fire" over the wilderness. Going through spiritual growing pains? Eventually, they'll stop & you will be a stronger, more mature, and better for it.
c) It occurs to me that you're crying out to fellow Christians to help replenish whatever's got you feeling empty. Consider your expectations, because we all are (after all) only human. Why not go straight to the surce of all that we need?
It's not exactly concrete advice, but maybe it's what you needed to hear for confirmation. I hope you find what you're looking for.
P.s. I'm thanking God for the opportunity to express some of these things that I'm learning.

 

[RuthD]

I have found in life that things are always in flux (constantly changing) and we will have the ups and the downs and really bad times, too. Please don't give up on God. He has not given up on you and is just a prayer away. I have 2 nice pics of Jesus on my wall and often turn to them to pray in good times and in bad times. The answers do come to me, too. I hope things improve for you. I care and if you ever want to talk in private just PM me and I will keep it all to myself and do the best I can to be of assistance. God bless you!

 

[rowantree]

Try not to worry as we all go through times like this. It does not feel nice, but it will come right in the end. God is with you, however you feel. Psalm 139 tells us that God is with us WHEREVER we are and whatever state we are in. I know it feels all empty right now, but we have His promise that He is with us however we are feeling and even if we are feeling empty. Don't be scared (easier said than done, I know). Even Jesus went through times like this. Praying for you.

 

[Christisai]

Thanks guys for you inputs, I truly appreciate them. Just as an update I went on my knees again last night for quite a while - asking questions and also for wisdom and guidance. Today there was no 'revolutionery' change and yet I felt more at peace than I have in quite a while. Even with certain negative aspects at work I just looked at the situation, shrugged my shoulders and went on, feeling 'calm and peaceful', almost almost the same feelings I had when I Knew for a fact that Jesus had me in his palms (I am not saying He ever left - it just felt that way lately). Someone definitely knows which buttons to press on me and almost succeeded, except for you guys opening my eyes to ideas I could not see through my situation. God Bless you all!

 

[Johnnz]

There are seasons in life. Some are easier than others.

Sometimes we need a more comprehensive vision of what being a Christian is all about. We too easily can get into a sacred/secular dichotomy, and that most often leads to a very divided life, which is not at all satisfying.

John
NZ