What difference does it make?

[Amin]

Hi,
I just wanted to pass along some of my thoughts to see what you think.
I keep wondering, What is the purpose of life; I've come to a conclusion
( as far as my life ) there's really not much to care about. When God put us on this earth, He also gave us things to do,work, play, hunt, fish, etc.
I can't help but think that these things were given to us to occupy our
time and our minds while we wait for our time to come. I can't help but wonder, after we're gone, that all those things we accomplished, what good did they do us or anyone else. For after we're gone, those things we worked so hard for aren't going to make a bit of difference to us.
I guess my question is: Why bother with anything, when in the end, it's not going to make a bit of difference, so why bother with it , if in the end , it will have made no difference. So why bother playing the game, when you know the outcome before you start?
I know this sounds dismal, but these are questions that go thru my head.
I just wondered what your opinion might be. Up to this point, no one has been able to give me an answer to; What is the purpose of life.
Amin.

 

[PrairieGurl]

Dear Amin,

I don't have the "answer", perse, of what is the purpose of life....BUT I do have an opionion.

The questions you have had going through your mind have gone through my mind also.

We are put on this earth to touch other peoples lives with love, compassion, encouragement, and support when they are having a "rough" time.


"after we're gone, that all those things we accomplished, what good did they do us or anyone else."

Usually when you do things for others...it brings joy to ones heart and by reaching out to others...it can make a lifetime difference in their life.
Here's an example...There was a man that was on his way to end his life (he was travelling by bus) He told God that if only one person would "notice" him, he would not take his own life. A while later a little old woman got on the bus and gave him the biggest smile...needless to say, he did not committ suicide and although it was tough, he continued on his life journey. That little old lady made A HUGE DIFFERNCE IN THIS MANS LIFE!
"those things we worked so hard for aren't going to make a bit of difference to us."

If by "those things" you mean material things...I agree with you "it won't make a differnce to us" BUT if we do "things" for others IT WILL MAKE A DIFFERNCE IN ETERNITY.

I hope your heart finds the true answer to your questions.

 

[Mayflower1]

Whatever you do for the glory of God will last forever... If we make memories that are near and dear to our hearts, wherever love is, or hope, or joy, these will last for the glory of God. It is the pain in our lives, and the things that don't matter that will pass away. Even I have some of those times, but you will not miss them one day. It is worth living though because You are a child of God, and with Him, You grow more faith and more endurance. If you live in Him, then You will be able to one day rise over any trial you are facing at the moment. Praying always. Lily00

 

[Amin]

Dear Amin,

I don't have the "answer", perse, of what is the purpose of life....BUT I do have an opionion.

The questions you have had going through your mind have gone through my mind also.

We are put on this earth to touch other peoples lives with love, compassion, encouragement, and support when they are having a "rough" time.


"after we're gone, that all those things we accomplished, what good did they do us or anyone else."

Usually when you do things for others...it brings joy to ones heart and by reaching out to others...it can make a lifetime difference in their life.
Here's an example...There was a man that was on his way to end his life (he was travelling by bus) He told God that if only one person would "notice" him, he would not take his own life. A while later a little old woman got on the bus and gave him the biggest smile...needless to say, he did not committ suicide and although it was tough, he continued on his life journey. That little old lady made A HUGE DIFFERNCE IN THIS MANS LIFE!
"those things we worked so hard for aren't going to make a bit of difference to us."

If by "those things" you mean material things...I agree with you "it won't make a differnce to us" BUT if we do "things" for others IT WILL MAKE A DIFFERNCE IN ETERNITY.

I hope your heart finds the true answer to your questions.

I agree with everything you said. Those things that we do for God
will definitely last forever. We're here to be an extention of Gods' arm so to say.
I'm not sure tho if that in itself gives us purpose.I can't see why God would put us here to do something He could do better. He also says" Whatever you do unto the least of these, you have done unto Me." It could be the depression causing these things, who knows. I could write so much on this question of mine,
But i feel that for some reason, not of my making, i need an answer that gets to the heart of the matter. I used to be active in many things, in and out of the church. The percentage of things that matter to me is very small compared to my need to find an answer to my question. I could go on, but i think you get my point. I thank you very much for your reply to my question. It's not the easiest one to answer. I don't know what I'd even say to myself if i had to answer it. Thanks again, Amin.

 

[Amin]

Whatever you do for the glory of God will last forever... If we make memories that are near and dear to our hearts, wherever love is, or hope, or joy, these will last for the glory of God. It is the pain in our lives, and the things that don't matter that will pass away. Even I have some of those times, but you will not miss them one day. It is worth living though because You are a child of God, and with Him, You grow more faith and more endurance. If you live in Him, then You will be able to one day rise over any trial you are facing at the moment. Praying always. Lily00

Hi,
How are ya? I play guitar, and i've
written at least 30 christian songs. I've
had the chance to sing a lot of them in various churchs. Since the depression started, and the onset of my question,
i don't write them anymore. I don't even sing them, Now i find myself playing and
writing secular songs. I say that only to let you know of the change in my life
since i've become depressed. All of a sudden all i want is an answer to my question. The thing is, I'm not sure if there is one single answer to it. I feel almost driven to find an answer to this question. One which I'm sure has been asked thousands of times thru the course of time. Like i said, maybe it's an effect of the depression. I believe what you said about God, but it also seems like that stuff can wait until i find an answer.
The strange part is, i believe God to be
part of the answer. I just can't see it.
Thanks for your reply, Take Care, Amin.

 

[Mayflower1]

Well, without God, we are doomed to just live and die. Are we yet just trash that has no purpose? I use to think that way myself. You have to MAKE purpose in your life. How? I had to start thinking positively. I know how hard it is to not let depression talk, but you do have a purpose and by hanging on to that, the answer will come, one that you will grasp tightly with both hands!!!

 

[Amin]

Well, without God, we are doomed to just live and die. Are we yet just trash that has no purpose? I use to think that way myself. You have to MAKE purpose in your life. How? I had to start thinking positively. I know how hard it is to not let depression talk, but you do have a purpose and by hanging on to that, the answer will come, one that you will grasp tightly with both hands!!!

You sound a little upset. That was not my intention i assure you. I try to think positively, i really do. It's just that it's been going on for so long it almost feels like a way of life. I'm not sure if i can even think of a positive thought.
Well, anyway, thanks for your reply. I'll keep it in mind and try to give it a shot. No promises. Thanks.

 

[Mayflower1]

You didn't upset me. I am just concerned.

 

[PrairieGurl]

Hi,
How are ya? I play guitar, and i've
written at least 30 christian songs. I've
had the chance to sing a lot of them in various churchs. Since the depression started, and the onset of my question,
i don't write them anymore. I don't even sing them, Now i find myself playing and
writing secular songs. I say that only to let you know of the change in my life
since i've become depressed. All of a sudden all i want is an answer to my question. The thing is, I'm not sure if there is one single answer to it. I feel almost driven to find an answer to this question. One which I'm sure has been asked thousands of times thru the course of time. Like i said, maybe it's an effect of the depression. I believe what you said about God, but it also seems like that stuff can wait until i find an answer.
The strange part is, i believe God to be
part of the answer. I just can't see it.
Thanks for your reply, Take Care, Amin.

Here's somethings positive Amin...

1.) you sound VERY creative!!!

2.) a) you play guitar b) you write songs c) you sing!

3.) you are questioning! (this is good cause if you weren't ... you'd probablly be "lost"

4.) you believe God to be part of the answer!

5.) your polite

Amin...sometimes we just can't "see God"...but that does not mean He doesn't care where you are at...He wants you to "understand"...but He also says "His ways are not our ways" and some questions we have will not be answered till we get to Heaven.

Thinking of you

 

[Amin]

Here's somethings positive Amin...

1.) you sound VERY creative!!!

2.) a) you play guitar b) you write songs c) you sing!

3.) you are questioning! (this is good cause if you weren't ... you'd probablly be "lost"

4.) you believe God to be part of the answer!

5.) your polite

Amin...sometimes we just can't "see God"...but that does not mean He doesn't care where you are at...He wants you to "understand"...but He also says "His ways are not our ways" and some questions we have will not be answered till we get to Heaven.

Thinking of you

Hi, How are you? The first five things you mentioned are things i don't see as
being positive things. I see them as things i can do or like. I do like music, and i like to make things. I've made about 75% of the things in my home.
I've never really looked at them as
positive things, only as things i can do.
I've always thought that being positive
had only to do with your attitude.The
christian songs I've written, i can't take credit for that; Those things were inspired by God. The secular songs I've written, as long as you can feel something in your heart, or something that has touched you thru circumstances,
i feel anyone can write a song. I realize
and believe that Gods' ways are not our ways, and that His wisdom is beyond
our comprehension. Not to sound dramatic or anything like that,but the
things I'm going thru right now are more than i can handle. My mind seems to
always be filled with dismal thoughts,
That's why i say " There isn't anymore
that i can do. I'm too tired physically
and mentally. That's the entire reason i
said, Lord i can't do this so i give it to you. If anything positive is going to happen, it's going to be because God saw some reason to act upon it. Some would say that's giving up. I say it's giving in even tho things in my spiritual
life seem ship wrecked. Sorry for rambling. Take Care. Amin.

 

[PrairieGurl]

Amin...you're NOT rambling! You're sharing your thoughts with ones who have been there (in some way) and care!

I believe all the "things" we can do are from
God. ("positive things" of course) So your talents, writing music, guitar, etc are gifts to you from God.
Believe me Amin...NOT EVERYONE CAN WRITE A SONG!

I must leave for a bit as my husband wants to use the computer I will continue later

Just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you and to say Good Morning!

 

[Amin]

You didn't upset me. I am just concerned.

Well I'm glad i didn't upset you thats the last thing i want to do. I said that because my attitude has gotten worse in the past few months. I was at the county court house a while ago, and i got into an arguement with a court clerk over a cup of coffee. I don't know what happened, but for some reason the person rubbed me the wrong way, and the clerk went and got the sheriff. Luckily he thought it was funny and i left. There were about 50 people in the room and i didn't even care. Anyway i'm glad you weren't upset. Take Care, and Thanks for your concern. Amin.

 

[Amin]

Amin...you're NOT rambling! You're sharing your thoughts with ones who have been there (in some way) and care!

I believe all the "things" we can do are from
God. ("positive things" of course) So your talents, writing music, guitar, etc are gifts to you from God.
Believe me Amin...NOT EVERYONE CAN WRITE A SONG!

I must leave for a bit as my husband wants to use the computer I will continue later

Just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you and to say Good Morning!

Good Morning,
and thank you.

 

[PrairieGurl]

things I'm going thru right now are more than i can handle. My mind seems to
always be filled with dismal thoughts,
That's why i say " There isn't anymore
that i can do. I'm too tired physically
and mentally. That's the entire reason i
said, Lord i can't do this so i give it to you. If anything positive is going to happen, it's going to be because God saw some reason to act upon it. Some would say that's giving up. I say it's giving in even tho things in my spiritual
life seem ship wrecked. Amin.

What you wrote here is exactly where I was a while ago. (my "circumstances" may have been different from yours, but my feelings the same)
Unfortunatly at that time I did NOT give it to the Lord. All I could do was say "Please help me Jesus"

I agree with you "if anything positive is going to happen, it IS going to be because God sees some reason to act upon it". I do NOT believe it's giving up. "Giving in even tho things in your spiritual life seem ship wrecked"... sometimes it feels like "forever" for the Lord to repair "our spiritual ship wreck"

"Hang in" Amin, (i at the best of time can't stand these little "catch phrases", but at times when coming from someones heart, they mean well)
Keep posting where "you're at"

Wendy

 

[Amin]

What you wrote here is exactly where I was a while ago. (my "circumstances" may have been different from yours, but my feelings the same)
Unfortunatly at that time I did NOT give it to the Lord. All I could do was say "Please help me Jesus"

I agree with you "if anything positive is going to happen, it IS going to be because God sees some reason to act upon it". I do NOT believe it's giving up. "Giving in even tho things in your spiritual life seem ship wrecked"... sometimes it feels like "forever" for the Lord to repair "our spiritual ship wreck"

"Hang in" Amin, (i at the best of time can't stand these little "catch phrases", but at times when coming from someones heart, they mean well)
Keep posting where "you're at"

Wendy

Thanks Again for your reply. Believe it or not, what you just said is encouraging. I don't know what else to say but, thanks.
Chuck.

 

[PrairieGurl]

Thanks Again for your reply. Believe it or not, what you just said is encouraging. I don't know what else to say but, thanks.
Chuck.

Hey Chuck ,

You're Welcome !

(Believe it or not , I am "out of words" at this

time also...not that anyone I know would believe it

lol )

To You !
Wendy

 

[appointed]

Toil Is Meaningless- Ecclesiastes 2, 20-26

20 (This may be from King Solomon) So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. 21 For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then he must leave all he owns to someone who has not worked for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. 22 What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun? 23 All his days his work is pain and grief; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is meaningless. 24 A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25 for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? 26 To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

My thought- Life sucks in a fallen world. Everything in this world now is meaningless . Sin has made it that way.

But here for the meaning of life!

Remember Your Creator While Young- Ecclesiastes 11, 7-10

7 Light is sweet,
and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.

8 However many years a man may live,
let him enjoy them all.
But let him remember the days of darkness,
for they will be many.
Everything to come is meaningless.
9 Be happy, young man, while you are young,
and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth.
Follow the ways of your heart
and whatever your eyes see,
but know that for all these things
God will bring you to judgment. 10 So then, banish anxiety from your heart
and cast off the troubles of your body,
for youth and vigor are meaningless.

My thought- All we can do is follow God.

 

[Amin]

Toil Is Meaningless- Ecclesiastes 2, 20-26

20 (This may be from King Solomon) So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. 21 For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then he must leave all he owns to someone who has not worked for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. 22 What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun? 23 All his days his work is pain and grief; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is meaningless. 24 A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25 for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? 26 To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

My thought- Life sucks in a fallen world. Everything in this world now is meaningless . Sin has made it that way.

But here for the meaning of life!

Remember Your Creator While Young- Ecclesiastes 11, 7-10

7 Light is sweet,
and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.

8 However many years a man may live,
let him enjoy them all.
But let him remember the days of darkness,
for they will be many.
Everything to come is meaningless.
9 Be happy, young man, while you are young,
and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth.
Follow the ways of your heart
and whatever your eyes see,
but know that for all these things
God will bring you to judgment. 10 So then, banish anxiety from your heart
and cast off the troubles of your body,
for youth and vigor are meaningless.

My thought- All we can do is follow God.

Hi,
I read Ecclestiastes, and boy, what thoughts Solomon had. What i got from it is; All good is God. God is the only thing that makes a difference. I read this before my depression and anxiety started, and i agree with what i just said.
Now what i seem to need is a level head.
Take Care, Amin.

 

[Amin]

Hi, How are you? The first five things you mentioned are things i don't see as
being positive things. I see them as things i can do or like. I do like music, and i like to make things. I've made about 75% of the things in my home.
I've never really looked at them as
positive things, only as things i can do.
I've always thought that being positive
had only to do with your attitude.The
christian songs I've written, i can't take credit for that; Those things were inspired by God. The secular songs I've written, as long as you can feel something in your heart, or something that has touched you thru circumstances,
i feel anyone can write a song. I realize
and believe that Gods' ways are not our ways, and that His wisdom is beyond
our comprehension. Not to sound dramatic or anything like that,but the
things I'm going thru right now are more than i can handle. My mind seems to
always be filled with dismal thoughts,
That's why i say " There isn't anymore
that i can do. I'm too tired physically
and mentally. That's the entire reason i
said, Lord i can't do this so i give it to you. If anything positive is going to happen, it's going to be because God saw some reason to act upon it. Some would say that's giving up. I say it's giving in even tho things in my spiritual
life seem ship wrecked. Sorry for rambling. Take Care. Amin.

Anyone else have any replys?

 

[PrairieGurl]

Hi,
I read Ecclestiastes, and boy, what thoughts Solomon had. What i got from it is; All good is God. God is the only thing that makes a difference. I read this before my depression and anxiety started, and i agree with what i just said.
Now what i seem to need is a level head.
Take Care, Amin.

Hey Amin ,

ALL GOOD IS GOD!! I agree with what you said too

NO WORRIES my friend...your level head will follow...keep reading Gods Word! Your on the right track!

Wendy