What difference does it make?

[Amin]

"Why go on?"

Do you have an alternative?

That's why.

You may have leftover anger and grief. You may be struggling with the same question we all have at some point in life (what's the meaning of life?). Who knows? The thing is, we're here. You're alive and breathing and on this earth just like me. There's not much we can do about it but keep on breathing and making the best of it.

I saw elsewhere in this thread that you have read Ecclesiastes. It may help for you to read it again. Job might help you right now too.

We will live and then we will die, but understand this; we will all be raised up. Do you believe that?

So don't set your heart on this life here on earth. It seems like a long time to us, but it's nothing compared to what the future holds. Our job is to help eachother along, to encourage eachother. I'm trying to encourage you with my posts. At some point I will need you to encourage me because life is hard and I've got a long ways to go yet. But this life on earth is just the beginning.

In the very last verse in the book of Daniel, Daniel is told:

"As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance."

This life is not fair. Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people. We are born, we work, we live, we die. That's just the beginning though. I wasted most of my life concentrating on this life. I no longer care so much about this one. I'm looking ahead into the future now, where God rules supreme, where life is fair, where everything is good and right.

It's normal and human to feel the way you are feeling. Don't be short-sighted though. Don't forget what the future holds for us who believe.

I also read that you haven't been praying much. God doesn't tell us to pray for his benefit. He already knows what's on our minds before we even open our mouths. Prayer is for our benefit. Pray out loud. You don't have to be formal about it or be eloquent with your words. There are times when I'll go outside so I can be alone and just holler out, "God, this sucks!" and cry like a baby. I'll just talk to him from the bottom of my heart. I don't hold back (there's no point since he knows anyway). Talking out loud helps. That's why people go to therapists and counselors! It helps to get it out and off our chests. Praying to God is free though, and you don't need an appointment.

Give it a try. Pray to God, over and over if that's what it takes. Read your bible and look for answers there. They are there. Do something for someone else. You'll be glad you did. Do something for yourself too, something that will soothe your soul.

Or don't do anything.

Yes I do believe we'll be raised up. Yes you're right , I have read Ecclesiastes. The only part of the whole book that wasn't depressing was the end when he said, the only thing worth anything is God. Everything else is useless. I believe this. I try not to be short sighted, but i can't seem to think past my nose. I too have done things in my past that only a few people know about.
I believe tho that God has forgiven me of those things,
even tho there is one thing I'm hung up on. I came from a past of illegal activities that lasted for some time. I believe God has forgiven me of those things too. Ya see, that's one of my problems. I know the bible. I
was, music leader, deacon, took christian counselling classes, and I believe the bible to be the true word of God to the letter. I even sang in a christian trio for 15yrs. That's why now, i don't understand why i feel like i do, because i know better. I know my thoughts aren't Gods' thoughts. It makes me wonder; What ever happened that i should feel this way. What you say is true. I should start doing those things. Maybe i need to start by praying for motivation to do them. You're
very encouraging. What you say all holds truth. I know that without a doubt. Tell ya what. I'll start with small sentence prayers for God to give me some motivation
to get back on the right road. It's a start.
Chuck.

 

[Frangible]

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.

As Conan said, "To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentation of their women."

Well, maybe not Biblically it is to worship God. And how do we worship God? By prayer and serving others with love. And why should we do this? Happiness and contentment in this life for ourselves and others, and in the next.

Pray and serve others with love. I bet it will make you happier. Feel free to do a search for medical studies on PubMed-- you will find prayer and volunteer work both elevate mood, lead to long-term happiness, and lessen sadness and depression. Yep, there's some psychological truth in there

 

[Amin]

[/COLOR]As Conan said, "To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentation of their women."

Well, maybe not Biblically it is to worship God. And how do we worship God? By prayer and serving others with love. And why should we do this? Happiness and contentment in this life for ourselves and others, and in the next.

Pray and serve others with love. I bet it will make you happier. Feel free to do a search for medical studies on PubMed-- you will find prayer and volunteer work both elevate mood, lead to long-term happiness, and lessen sadness and depression. Yep, there's some psychological truth in there

Hi,
I already help people in any way i can. Even those that turn around and kick me in the face after I've helped them.

 

[Silver-winged Flyer]

Hi,
I already help people in any way i can. Even those that turn around and kick me in the face after I've helped them.

I wish I knew what to say. My heart is breaking for you.

 

[Amin]

I wish I knew what to say. My heart is breaking for you.

Hi T.
That's okay,
Some days are good and some are bad. I just get tired of the up and down thing.
Chuck.

 

[Silver-winged Flyer]

Hi T.
That's okay,
Some days are good and some are bad. I just get tired of the up and down thing.
Chuck.

That's understandable. I'd also feel like that if it was me.

 

[Amin]

Thanks T.
Me.

 

[Mayflower1]

Hi Amin? How are you doing now? I haven't visited you'll here lately. Been so busy at school. I hope you are doing good. Are you better with your thoughts and stuff? I hope so.

 

[Amin]

Hi Amin? How are you doing now? I haven't visited you'll here lately. Been so busy at school. I hope you are doing good. Are you better with your thoughts and stuff? I hope so.

Hi, Lilly02,
I've started saying sentence prayers today asking for Gods' help. As far as how i feel, that hasn't changed. In fact it may be a bit worse because I've had some losses in my life recently, all people that meant a great deal to me. I don't like that feeling. But what is one to do.
I love these people and I'm just feeling the results of that. I wish there was something i could do but there isn't.
Chuck.