Where was I? Where am I?

[Woodsy]

I’ve been away for a while, in more ways than one. In fact, I’m still learning to navigate the changes around here.

This is the first time that I have ever literally had hundreds of unread emails. Literally hundreds.

The past 3 months have been an amazing cavalcade of fortunes, misfortunes, acts of God and nature, apathy, anger, resentment, house-hunitng, home-buying, parenting challenges, modem issues, fiscal boons, fiscal woes, employment adventures, educational challenges, etc.

And yes, a major crisis of faith also. In fact, I’m not totally certain where all the pieces lay today. I’m discouraged and lacking something.

I feel as though I’m not even certain if God even exists anymore. It seems as though good people and bad people get treated pretty much the same by God, the universe, luck, whatever.

The thing that won’t let me rest, however, is the fact that I know that I am different when leading a Christian lifestyle; studying the Bible, praying, attending church, etc. My wife confirms this, as well. I am happier, more content, more patient and loving.

Is this just a crutch? Am I a hypocrite for wanting to keep the positive changes which take place in my life and heart when I am actively leading a Christian life? Does it mean that I am weak – that I am unable to be a moral man without religion?

The world is such a crazy place, and everyone claims to have the answers, while no one seems to have the answers. Everything’s seeming pretty relativistic and subjective. Who the heck am I to claim to know the Truth?
I would appreciate y'all's thoughts/advice.

 

[drdeancrosby]

Congradulations!You've come to a great spiritual revelation.The world really is crazy.When you become still more spiritual you'll also realize that our society is incrediably sick.You can just imagine how angry God becomes when some ministers teach that God controls the world.Be assured that if He did,doctors would not be literally sucking babies brains out of them before they throw their bodies in garbage cans,priests would not be destoying children by molesting them,and politicians would not be sending soldiers into other countries to commit crimes against humanity.In fact it's very understandable that so many keep themselves stoned on drugs and alcohol.The real world is too harsh for them.
Your observation that everyone is treated equally by God is very much His plan.Mercy in action.Since the world is a testing ground to see if we will lead spiritual lives,even the evil need to be given the opportunity to make moral decisions.If this troubles you,don't worry,the test is almost over.We are now entering into the period of tribulation during which God will severely punish those who have failed the test.
You show further insight when you question who knows the truth.Let's use the moral issue of multiple marriages.Jesus taught that second marriages are acts of adultery.(Mark 10:11-12)Alot of fake Christians don't want to accept Jesus as their source of truth.So who do they choose?Many churches conduct re-marriage ceremonies because quite frankly it's good for business.But if you don't accept Jesus as your source of truth,then how many times can you get married?Why not 25?And who says the fellow who wants a minister to perform at his 26th wedding is wrong?If you're not going to accept the bible as your source of truth,you're going to find yourself headed for eternal torment in a hurry.

 

[Woodsy]

Thanks for the reply, drdeancrosby. I agree with what you are saying with my heart, but my head has trouble with the part about God not controlling the world. I don't understand how it can be that God doesn't control the world.

Looking at it now, my op looks a little (well, more than a little) whiny. But it's what I feel like.
I feel as though I am being a Christian because it makes me feel bettter and do better. But that seems like pretty shallow reasons. Or hypocrisy. Or play-acting.
I'm sorry if this post sounds stupid. I'm just kind of feeling lost.

 

[MariaRegina]

Dear Tribe:

Know that I am praying for you. You have a good heart.

We all have our good times and our bad -- just gotta trust in God who does love us.

Sometimes when God seems so far away, He isn't really.. It's usually we sinners who have drifted away from Him. Pick up the Bible and read Matthew 5. If you have to read it every morning and every night -- do so. That's what I did when I found myself in a similar circumstance as you describe. Know that you're not alone in your struggle -- it's part of our human condition.

God be with you, Tribe.

Lovingly in Christ our God,
Elizabeth

 

[Lia]

I feel as though I’m not even certain if God even exists anymore. It seems as though good people and bad people get treated pretty much the same by God, the universe, luck, whatever.

The thing that won’t let me rest, however, is the fact that I know that I am different when leading a Christian lifestyle; studying the Bible, praying, attending church, etc. My wife confirms this, as well. I am happier, more content, more patient and loving.

Is this just a crutch? Am I a hypocrite for wanting to keep the positive changes which take place in my life and heart when I am actively leading a Christian life? Does it mean that I am weak – that I am unable to be a moral man without religion?

The world is such a crazy place, and everyone claims to have the answers, while no one seems to have the answers. Everything’s seeming pretty relativistic and subjective. Who the heck am I to claim to know the Truth?
I would appreciate y'all's thoughts/advice.

I think it is normal for us, humans to see the conditions of our world now and think exactly the way you think. You are not alone. Many questions the same, maybe not in the exact same situations but similar.

Questions like: Why God seems to be quiet? Why doesn't God do anything if He is a Holy and Just God to see all this crazy place? Why the life of the ungodly people seems to be so easy and have no struggles...meanwhile I struggle a lot with things in my life, many times even harder because I am a Christian! What is up with that??

I would recommend you to read Psalm 73. This part of the Bible totally relates to me when I try to understand the kind of questions above. The Psalmist complains the same way we complaint about the wickedness of the ungodly people (v. 2-15). But notice on how his heart and mind changes from v. 16-28 when he acknowledge his differences by walking and putting faith in God... God may be quiet now and it seems like everyone is treated the same by God.
Yet, we know that our faith is not in vain...there is an eternal reward from heaven. Claim God's promises. Count His blessings and we will be surprised. No one whose hope is in God will be put to shame.

We don't know the truth anymore these days because of all these subjective/relative ideas in the world... everybody seems to have their own thoughts, but God has shown us the Truth that is in His Words and we want to grasp that Biblical Truth.

Hope this helps. Much grace to you!
Lia

 

[sawdust]

Do you know the K.I.S.S. principle Tribe? - "Keep it simple sweetie"

I don't know the answers to the questions you ask but I do know the One who holds them. As the old hymn says "Take it to the Lord in prayer". It's really all you can do and it's really all you need. "Though the fig tree does not blossom......yet will I rejoice in the Lord..The Lord is my strength" Habakkuk 3:17-19
take care

 

[Woodsy]

sawdust, you are completely correct that I over-think things. It's a big problem for me. But I worry that if I try not to think about it all so much, then I'd be doing what the atheists accuse us of: turning off my brain so that it doesn't interfere with my faith.(BTW, thanks for saying what KISS stands for - I have heard it used with not-so-nice words. Thanks for saying "sweetie"! )

It's also true that my real first steps here should be taking it all to the Lord and studying His word. Anything else is just me talking when I should be doing.

Thanks to everyone who was kind enough to reply. The advice is helpful, and so are the Scripture references. Also thanks to Pray4Isrel for the lyrics to a lovely Nichole Nordeman song.

 

[sawdust]

sawdust, you are completely correct that I over-think things.

Not over\thinking Tribe, just an imbalnace of thinking. Too many negatives, not enough promises.

It's a big problem for me.

Not a problem, a challenge!

But I worry that if I try not to think about it all so much, then I'd be doing what the atheists accuse us of: turning off my brain so that it doesn't interfere with my faith.

Atheist's don't rule here, (no offence to them) but God does.

(BTW, thanks for saying what KISS stands for - I have heard it used with not-so-nice words. Thanks for saying "sweetie"! )

In honesty, I use sweetie for others, stupid for myself!


Thanks to everyone who was kind enough to reply.

You're welcome, anytime. Take care.

 

[seek]

sawdust, you are completely correct that I over-think things. It's a big problem for me. But I worry that if I try not to think about it all so much, then I'd be doing what the atheists accuse us of: turning off my brain so that it doesn't interfere with my faith.(BTW, thanks for saying what KISS stands for - I have heard it used with not-so-nice words. Thanks for saying "sweetie"! )

It's also true that my real first steps here should be taking it all to the Lord and studying His word. Anything else is just me talking when I should be doing.

Thanks to everyone who was kind enough to reply. The advice is helpful, and so are the Scripture references. Also thanks to Pray4Isrel for the lyrics to a lovely Nichole Nordeman song.

I tell you...I've been a Christian for a year and a I am a very scientific, philisophical, and logical thinker (currently studying Aerospace Engineering in college)....And it is through applying these processes that I've discovered that not only is God real but Jesus Christ is the only way. I pray that you would not enter the athiest forums on this site for the people who come here are in no way qualified to speak on subjects of scientifically proving that God does not exist. You need to study on your own the facts. This is what i have done the past year and a half in my life. And with a completely unbiased open mind you will see that God exists. Today's "elite athiests" (the ones who know what they are actually talking about) can't even hold a candle to the facts and truths of the Bible. I pray that you would keep studying from experts in their fields and that you do "over-think." I "think" so much that I've listed it as a hobby on my resume. You can never over-think something. In fact, it takes more faith to have an expertise in the area of science and still be an athiest. I know this for a fact. I tell you as a brother who has been in that time of frustration and confusion to weather the storm because it is truly the living Satan that tries to confuse you. Continue to seek Him and He will show Himself so well that you will be in disbelief in why so many don't believe.

I STRONGLY recommend CASE FOR CHRIST and CASE FOR FAITH.
Both are great books that may put some light on the matters that frustrate you. Both are by the same author and the first was written when the author was an athiest and the second one written when the author accepted Jesus Christ into his life. I recommend you read them both in that order.
May God reveal His truth to you.

- Seeking the Truth

 

[Woodsy]

Thanks, seek. I appreciated your post.
Don't worry - I'm not going into any atheist forums. I know they don't have the answers I seek.
I've read all kinds of proofs, but that's not what I need. I'm dealing somehow in the realm of the heart or the spirit, I don't know. I think that religion is happening to me somewhere outside my intellect - and that's something that I'm not used to dealing with, I think.

Still working on it...

 

[sawdust]

In fact, it takes more faith to have an expertise in the area of science and still be an athiest. I know this for a fact.
- Seeking the Truth

Thanks for saying that Seek. I'm not a "scientific type" but I do love learning about everthing and I am a great believer in "thinking through" everything. It never fails to amaze me though how often I must take a "leap of faith" in order to come to the same conclusion as to what science teaches as truth. All the best with your studying my prayers are with you.
take care