Why am I so miserable as a new Christian?

[Godislove94]

I was saved September 22, 2013 and since then I've been miserable. I'm sure most of it is the enemy wanting me back. Now that I've done this I'm more depressed than I've ever been. I can't trust anyone anymore and am constantly anxious even though I pray for it to go away. I feel agonizing guilt whenever I sin, and am terrified of going to Hell when I die. At the same time I can't wait until it's over. I'm also really struggling to figure out when God talks to me. I get really frustrated when I read the Bible because I have trouble concentrating and again even though I pray a lot and read the Bible I still feel like God isn't answering me. I ask forgiveness for sins constantly and thank Him when I remember to and always ask Him to bless my food and drink, have stopped wearing pants, listening to secular music and watching TV for the most part, but still nothing. People say that I'm being really hard on myself as being the reason why I'm miserable. I'm also dealing with the fact that I may have to give up a dream, but the desire won't go away so I think I'm just that much in bondage. I cry over it and then feel like an ungrateful little heathen for rejecting the new plan God has for me. God also terrifies me and I guess one of the my problems right now is that in my mind He's no different than a relative that has treated me badly my whole life (constant terrorizing, yelling, threats of punishment, and even some hitting and shoving around all while I was growing up), so I guess that realization is one step. All I want is to carry out His will and be an obedient servant, but I can't figure anything out or understand anything. Maybe there are things staring me in the face that I can't see, but I don't know. I feel badly about the way I feel and am very tempted to go back to my old life, but won't. What am I doing wrong? I even feel guilty about posting this.

 

[Emmy]

Dear Godislove. Perhaps God wants you to be more efficient in what you are doing at the moment? You say that you are working with ill people at the moment, and for that, it is most necessary to have much Love and Joy. Jesus will give you Love and Joy: " ask and ye shall receive." ( In Matthew 7: 7-10)
Ask God in prayer, then thank God, and share all with the patients around, keep asking and receiving, then share your Love and Joy with your patients.
It might not be easy, but you keep asking God, and that is perhaps what God wants you to do. Now that you know what it feels like to be miserable, to help others to love and be joyful, you all will know God`s Love and Compassion. It is certainly worth a try. Love is very catching, and a smiling face and helping hands are very welcome. Ask Jesus into your life and all misery will disappear, Satan and his hordes will flee.
I say this with love, Godislove. Greetings from Emmy, your sister in Christ.

 

[timf]

have stopped wearing pants, listening to secular music and watching TV for the most part, but still nothing.

Almost all religions in the world are reciprocal (you do something - you get something) Christianity is different. It is not about what we do but what Jesus does through us. The book of Galatians is about a church that was starting down the road of focusing on what they did. Paul wrote to them to tell the of the danger they were in. Essentially there are two ways to live the Christian life, the Spirit and the flesh.

Liberal Christians often focus on just relaxing and enjoying the Christian life. Conservative Christians often focus on being diligent to get things right. Both sort of miss the mark. Peter wrote to warn Christians that they needed to be ready to give others a reason for the hope that was in them. This was because they were about to undergo severe persecution and it would be mysterious to those who saw this how these people could accept whatever happened to them with peace and still have hope. There are several things we can see from this;

1. We do not have to be searching for "Christian" things to do, God provides the opportunities.
2. People are not so much open to instruction but rather what they see in us.
3. Hope that transcends circumstance is like peace that passeth all understanding.

First have joy in the Lord. If you first try to order your life according a list of rules, you may find the frustration of the flesh.

Jesus said that we should "abide" (live) in His word. If we did, then we were His disciples and we would know the truth and the truth would set us free.

I would say that the first order of business would be to read about Jesus and let His words wash over you. As you get to know him in prayer and through His word, you find that your faith increases and you are able to surrender more and more of your life to Him. As this happens, he can work more and more in you.

 

[AWorkInProgress]

Maybe there are things staring me in the face that I can't see, but I don't know. I feel badly about the way I feel and am very tempted to go back to my old life, but won't. What am I doing wrong? I even feel guilty about posting this.

Hey there Godislove,

Bare with me here, sadly I am somewhat half asleep typing this. Sounds like lot things are just hitting you all at once. You are being overwhelmed by your problems, as well as still very new in knowing who God is.

I want you to know that God, our Lord Jesus, does not hate you nor is he judging you in any way. His heart and desire is to save you and to be there for you.

You number my wanderings;
Put my tears into Your bottle;
Are they not in Your book?

When I cry out to You,
Then my enemies will turn back;
This I know, because God is for me.
Psalm 56:8-9 NKJV

Now remember that you are still very much a child in Christ. The Lord makes a point that when we are saved, it is a spiritual birth. As a child that is new to this world, you can't expect that child to start walking and jumping and skipping right away. A child grows and develops in time and seasons, and the Lord knows this far greater than myself.

The New Birth John 3:1-8 NKJV Link

There is a time and a season for everything. Eccl 3:1-8 NKJV link

As such the Lord is not going to put expectations on you that can not be met at this time in your development/walk with him. That guilt you are feeling is not coming from the Lord. Guilt is a tool mainly used by the enemy of our soul. To be feel our found guilty means that judgement has already been made and you are sentenced to death. The Lord died on the cross so that you could be spared judgement of your sins and be justified by your faith(along with sincere heart of repentance) in Jesus Christ.

Revelations 12:10 NKJV
Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.

The Lord speaks through his Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit speaks conviction over our hearts. That conviction is what brings men and women to repentance. That knowing in our hearts that what they are being convicted about is true and we need to change.

John 16:7-10 NKJV
Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

Your torment is not coming from God, but the Satan(the adversary). He has no problems condemning you and making you feel like garbage. Remember that the Lord said come to me as you are, he expects you to be broken and hurting and not having it all together. Remember I stated that you are like a new born child, as such it takes time for you to learn how to walk and run. That guilt you are feeling like an adult yelling and screaming at you every time you fall, while learning to walk. After so much of it, the baby gets do discouraged that doesn't try to walk anymore(hence depression).

Our God in heaven is like a big father, and he knows that your going to stumble from time to time. He gets excited as you begin to take your baby steps, just like a parents with their children. That is why Jesus died on the cross, so that your sins can be forgiven over and over again. Over time, you will break free by the power of the Holy Spirit within you(aka the father giving you a hand and teaching you along the way). So much so that scripture says that you are now a NEW creation. The old life, self, bad thinking, sinful nature, will melt away like snow by the sun rays of Gods love and mercy over your life.

Please read and reread what I shared and meditate on it. Also DO NOT LISTEN TO ANY CONDEMNATION for seeking or crying out for help (like this post). You are now GOD'S daughter, and he listens for the cry of his children.

One day in the future, you will be so changed and so different, that the Lord will turn you around and send you out to seek others out who are just like you were.

 

[parsley]

This might help you feel more relaxed.

Andrew Wommack: Effortless Change: Transformed By The Word Week 1 Session 1 - YouTube

Audio Bibles International -- Audio Bible to make concentration easier.

By the way, I have worn slacks for a long, long time without any conviction that God might want me to stop. Try to separate what people at church are telling you, from what the Bible says.

When God gave Moses a law for the people, it was a list of rules very similar to our public laws and health codes -- the laws protected people from theft and abuse, oppression and plagues. They were given so that we "would live long in the land."

Our salvation was never based on the law, even back then, but on faith in God's intent to care for us. He provided the way for our atonement.

Repentance is good, asking forgiveness is good... but also trust that He has already forgiven you!

 

[Harry3142]

Godislove94-

If assurance of salvation depended on our own actions, heaven would be one empty place. Our assurance of salvation is not to focus on our actions, but rather on the actions which God himself accomplished on our behalf:

Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished - he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:19-26,NIV)

and-

What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the "stumbling stone." As it is written:

"See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." (Romans 9:30-33,NIV)

Jesus wasn't sent to make us sinless in-and-of ourselves. Instead, he was sent to pay the penalty for our sinfulness. Through his blood, shed on the cross, We have been cleansed of our sins. It is through his actions successfully accomplsihed that the price of our sinfulness has already been paid:

First he said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them" (although the law required them to be made). Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. (Hebrews 10:8-14,NIV)

Our salvation was earned for us by God himself through his Son, Jesus Christ. What we are to do is accept that sacrifice of atonement exactly as God offers it to each of us, seeing it as totally unearned and undeserved, but given freely out of God's own compassion for us.

And how do we repay his kindness to us? We don't. In fact, for us to live the lives that God wants of us, we must accept yet another gift, namely, the gift of his indwelling Spirit. It is his Spirit, rather than we ourselves, who subdues our original, sinful nature, and it is his Spirit, rather than we ourselves, who implants within us the new nature whose motivations are essential to our living truly Christlike lives:

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not bcome conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:16-26,NIV)

This is our code of conduct. It is not based on legalism; instead, it is based on the motivations which are to be the root cause of our actions. And the proper root cause are those motivations listed as 'the fruit of the Spirit'. As long as our actions emanate from these motivations, we have assurance that God's Spirit is in control of our lives. That's why the words which immediately follow the 'fruits' listing are, "Against such things there is no law."

God bless-

 

[Peripatetic]

I'm sorry to hear that you are facing so much adversity and pain. It sounds like you might be doing a bit of bargaining though, which can be a major source of anxiety. Offering to give up something to keep something else. Or constant fear and self-loathing about sin because of what it may cost you. That could drive anyone to despair!

Just approach life one day at a time, be patient with God (as He is patient with you), and avoid dramatic vows and bargains. For example, many Christians enjoy secular music, and quitting cold turkey is not some ticket to pleasing God. Tough times are going to come, no matter how hard we strive for perfection. You may find that the more you focus on loving others, the less you'll think about disliking yourself after a while. Just remember that God knows your heart and your motivations. He never misunderstands, and He knows your weaknesses. Our journey in faith is a lifetime... we need to give the Holy Spirit time to work in us at His pace even if it doesn't fit our expectations.

 

[AWorkInProgress]

I see the cavalry has arrived!

 

[ewells36]

I have wondered and felt the same way. It always seemed that after God had called me back to Christ, that the miserable feelings would come, struggles would happen and then I would drift back off away from Him and they all stopped.

Now I see them in a completely different light. I welcome these trials, these feelings, these struggles because I know that during these rough times in my life, God is ever present with me, within my struggles, within my issues, teaching me to stay close to Him, to stand upon the rock of Christ, to take hold of scripture and to take hold of Christ.

I think that by allowing these struggles to come into our lives God is purifying us. Burning away all the chaff, the weeds, all the junk that we used to hold so dear to our hearts, I feel that God is burning those things away so that in the end of these trials, we will come out shining bright as pure gold. Even gold has to go through a refining process and after its all done, its beautiful. Maybe that is what God is doing to us. Removing sins so that, in the end of the process, we come out shining brightly and as beautiful as gold.

I hope this helped, inspired, or provoked thoughts in anyone who reads this post. May Christ completely overtake our hearts, our lives, our souls, so that we can be presented to God beautiful as pure gold and shining brighter than ever before

Eric W

 

[paul1149]

I get really frustrated when I read the Bible because I have trouble concentrating and again even though I pray a lot and read the Bible I still feel like God isn't answering me. I ask forgiveness for sins constantly and thank Him when I remember to and always ask Him to bless my food and drink, have stopped wearing pants, listening to secular music and watching TV for the most part, but still nothing. People say that I'm being really hard on myself as being the reason why I'm miserable.

Hi,
It sounds like you have been motivated by a lot of fear. As a result, you pressure yourself to perform. This is a heavy burden to bear. A lot of believers stay stuck there for far too long, especially in the beginning. Ultimately it is not consistent with the Gospel of Grace.

Fear is a fine motivation for getting into the kingdom. Jude tells us to save some through fear, but to make a distinction, because some are already crushed by fear and need a gentle nurturing approach.

Whatever got you into the kingdom, the way forward is to continue learning about the Lord Jesus and what it means to stand by grace rather than works. In Mt 11, Jesus invites the "weary and heavy laden" to experience His gentle care. Is your experience with the Lord so far in harmony with that, or at least moving in that direction? The more you learn about His completed work on your behalf, and the more you realize that you can do nothing without Him, that all your righteousness is as filthy rags, the freer you will become.

Keep seeking the gift of the Holy Spirit. Seek to be filled. If He shows you something out of line, confess it to Him, but do so in the confidence of 1Jn 1.9, knowing you will be forgiven and cleansed. Do not stay stuck in fear of being displeasing to the Lord. If He didn't love you passionately, He never would have gone to the Cross for you.

Dwell on His goodness, and pursue the Holy Spirit and His fruit (Gal 5). Be patient and persevere, and in time you will realize that you are changing.

 

[vahavtah157]

[Pro 3:11-12 NASB] 11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD Or loathe His reproof, 12 For whom the LORD loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

Feeling wretched in sin is inevitable. It's for the best, really. That's one of the things that helps us leave it behind. The harder God pulls you from those things, the better. Not easier, but better. It is not hard to do what God wants us to do, but it is very, very hard not to do what we want to do.

Taking steps toward chastity and sanctification through your appearance and the things you allow in your life is perfectly good. But always be sure that they are done for the right reason. Have a reason for EVERYTHING you do. Walking with God brings us into constant self-examination and that's important. If the reasons you have for doing what you do are to give to others in love, to build up others towards the Kingdom, to set yourself apart for God and His service, then you are on the right track. If things are done to appease others, to gain something from God, or to slap a Band-Aid on a gaping wound, you must re-examine yourself.

Check yourself constantly by the fruits of the Spirit: [Gal 5:22-23 NASB] 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Memorize these. Is it done in love? Does it bring joy? Does it preserve peace? Is it kind? Is it good? It is faithfully done? Is it gentle? Does it exercise self-control? If the answer is no to any of the above, refocus.

Here on Earth, good fathers are few and far between. Reproof by them can be harsh, unprofitable, and unloving. God is not this way. [Hbr 12:11 NASB] 11 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

His reproof is patient, good, and loving. When it feels like it's not, be mindful of what is really hurting you. Think of it like hydrogen peroxide on a cut; it hurts a lot, but it's cleaning you.

[Phl 1:6 NASB] 6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Do not lose heart, dear one. I'll be praying for you. Feel free to message me privately if you would like to talk more.

 

[turned around]

Hi godislove,
He did not save you to make it worse. Simple faith in what Jesus did at the cross brings peace. The Father is not a dream killer, relaxxxx, Jesus will talk to you without alot of peoples advice.

 

[orangeness365]

There is a lot of christian music out there that you can listen to. There is also music on itunes radio for religious music. Starting a couple of years ago I started listening to christian music mostly instead of secular music. It made me feel better cuz the focus was God instead of relationships. I still listen to secular music sometimes though, just for variety. Have you tried music from the romantic era? It might not have words but it's good stuff. I've been trying to change for the past year and it's been hard just being a lot more quiet and less judgmental, but after it becomes a habit, it isn't as hard and just becomes natural. Not to say you can totally let loose after that and regress, it always takes some work, but it's worth it.

 

[graceandpeace]

I was saved September 22, 2013 and since then I've been miserable.

May I suggest in humility that perhaps you are misunderstanding salvation? We follow Christ & grow in His grace, with our final hope being salvation by Him & through Him. So on the date you mention, I would suggest that you took a step in faith; not that you "got saved," but have begun on the salvation journey.

I'm sure most of it is the enemy wanting me back. Now that I've done this I'm more depressed than I've ever been. I can't trust anyone anymore and am constantly anxious even though I pray for it to go away. I feel agonizing guilt whenever I sin, and am terrified of going to Hell when I die. At the same time I can't wait until it's over.

I understand feeling uncertainty or being confused when first starting out as a Christian, but this level of anxiety or depression should not exist. Are you in a particular church preaching "fire & brimstone" fear-inducing messages, or are you otherwise being influenced by literature, etc that is emphasizing fear or guilty? If so, perhaps you should remove yourself from such influences. On the other hand, if you really think you are depressed in general, you may want to seek professional help.

I'm also really struggling to figure out when God talks to me. I get really frustrated when I read the Bible because I have trouble concentrating and again even though I pray a lot and read the Bible I still feel like God isn't answering me.

Reading the Bible is good, but studying & learning it takes time. And there is more to understanding the Christian faith than just reading the Bible - there is Christian history, the Church fathers, traditions & doctrines. I would not stress out about this, but just calmly take your time. God does hear you & while I wouldn't expect an audible voice, He will softly guide your heart - sensing His leading may take time. Just love Him & love others, as Christ taught us & take one step at a time.

I ask forgiveness for sins constantly and thank Him when I remember to and always ask Him to bless my food and drink, have stopped wearing pants, listening to secular music and watching TV for the most part, but still nothing. People say that I'm being really hard on myself as being the reason why I'm miserable.

You are being too hard on yourself! In fact, you sound just like me when I first became a Christian in high school. I wore plain clothes, gave up secular music, trying so hard to appear "pure" - but thankfully, I snapped out of that because that's not what following Christ means. God is not a drill sergeant, wanting to beat you up or sharply discipline every time you fail. He is our loving Father, who wants us to grow in His grace & become more like Jesus daily - again, by loving Him & loving others.

I'm also dealing with the fact that I may have to give up a dream, but the desire won't go away so I think I'm just that much in bondage. I cry over it and then feel like an ungrateful little heathen for rejecting the new plan God has for me.

I'm not sure what your "dream" is, but I don't see why being a Christian means you would have to give it up (unless it is just something completely contrary to following Christ). There is no specific individualized "plan" God has for you that you now must try to figure out. The only plan is one that is for all of us - and that is to know Christ & follow after Him.

God also terrifies me and I guess one of the my problems right now is that in my mind He's no different than a relative that has treated me badly my whole life (constant terrorizing, yelling, threats of punishment, and even some hitting and shoving around all while I was growing up), so I guess that realization is one step. All I want is to carry out His will and be an obedient servant, but I can't figure anything out or understand anything. Maybe there are things staring me in the face that I can't see, but I don't know. I feel badly about the way I feel and am very tempted to go back to my old life, but won't. What am I doing wrong? I even feel guilty about posting this.

Again, don't be so hard on yourself. God is not like your relative. Find a church home where you can connect with other Christians & have the support you need. And if you keep struggling with depression, I suggest again in humility that you may need professional help.

[As a side note, I am not sure how to suggest finding a church at this time because, in the interest of full disclosure, I am considering leaving Protestant Christianity as a whole & finding a new home in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. It's too soon for me to know if I will ever make that leap, but it's on my heart. Otherwise, most of my personal Christian experience has been in Wesleyan heritage churches - the Church of the Nazarene, Church of God [Anderson], & recently the United Methodist Church.]

May the Lord Jesus comfort you with His presence & peace.

 

[parsley]

About God -vs.- God's Presence

There is a lot of fluff built up around Christianity, and people tend to get caught up in talking about God instead of inviting Him to actually work in a situation. Keep your focus on Him, what He will do... and less on what you are doing to make it work.

 

[dhh712]

I was saved September 22, 2013 and since then I've been miserable. I'm sure most of it is the enemy wanting me back. Now that I've done this I'm more depressed than I've ever been. I can't trust anyone anymore and am constantly anxious even though I pray for it to go away. I feel agonizing guilt whenever I sin, and am terrified of going to Hell when I die. At the same time I can't wait until it's over. I'm also really struggling to figure out when God talks to me. I get really frustrated when I read the Bible because I have trouble concentrating and again even though I pray a lot and read the Bible I still feel like God isn't answering me. I ask forgiveness for sins constantly and thank Him when I remember to and always ask Him to bless my food and drink, have stopped wearing pants, listening to secular music and watching TV for the most part, but still nothing. People say that I'm being really hard on myself as being the reason why I'm miserable. I'm also dealing with the fact that I may have to give up a dream, but the desire won't go away so I think I'm just that much in bondage. I cry over it and then feel like an ungrateful little heathen for rejecting the new plan God has for me. God also terrifies me and I guess one of the my problems right now is that in my mind He's no different than a relative that has treated me badly my whole life (constant terrorizing, yelling, threats of punishment, and even some hitting and shoving around all while I was growing up), so I guess that realization is one step. All I want is to carry out His will and be an obedient servant, but I can't figure anything out or understand anything. Maybe there are things staring me in the face that I can't see, but I don't know. I feel badly about the way I feel and am very tempted to go back to my old life, but won't. What am I doing wrong? I even feel guilty about posting this.

This seems a little reminiscent about how I felt at times as a new Christian, and sometimes I still feel the old guilt creeping upon me. I think this is some very good advice:

There is a lot of fluff built up around Christianity, and people tend to get caught up in talking about God instead of inviting Him to actually work in a situation. Keep your focus on Him, what He will do... and less on what you are doing to make it work.

If you are focused on what you are doing for Him then *He* is not central in your life, rather *you* have become the focus. Godislove, we *all* sin, constantly. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross has atoned God's wrath for our sins--all of them! I suppose that, seeing that we are all so unworthy of such a sacrifice, the influences of Satan can make us feel guilty about having Christ perform such a sacrifice for us. Beloved, He loves us--that is the great lesson to be learned, what your screen name is: God is love. Not some effeminate, passionate, worldly love but one that is Holy and eternal and which nothing in the world or all of creation can separate us from. He loved you from the time before you became a Christian and He will never stop. It is His essence.

It seems to me that you are already reading His letter to us, and I beg that God will continue to reveal His essence to you in that letter. The influences of Satan and all the world can make us feel very guilty about God's love for us--but *trust in Him*; do not trust in your own feelings or what others have to say about you and your relationship with Him, but what His word says.

As far as giving up dreams and what not and changing your life-style radically, I would urge you to consider that God will work changes in your life on His time, not on anyone else's--even your own. Once again, this comes round to focusing on Him and not what you are doing to please Him because when it comes down to it, there is nothing we can do to please Him. All of our good works are so tainted with corruption that none of them are acceptable on our own efforts before God. He accepts them only when we are in Christ; He looks upon His perfection as that which is imputed onto us.

God may work changes in our hearts slowly, and perhaps only after many, many years. Perhaps your guilt stems from something similar to my own: for wanting to still take pleasure in this world. I fight against the feeling of guilt over it because I know that guilt comes from Satan and not God.

Like someone mentioned on here, as long as the dream you have does not involve some blatantly heinous sin such as murder, thievery and whatnot, I don't see why you would have part from it at once. God has created us to glorify Him *and* enjoy Him forever. He would like it very much for us to enjoy our time here on earth if it is in His will for us to do so. We shouldn't feel that any time we are enjoying something of the world it is something forbidden of God; in my perspective, those sorts of thoughts come from Satan trying to turn us away from God.

 

[MadamImAdaminChrist]

Lots of excellent points from everyone. Keep your head up, for my experience was very similar to yours! I have a natural tendency towards rumination and depression, so I know exactly how you feel. Becoming a Christian did not solve all my problems (in fact, it added to them temporarily)! One of the reasons is I was trying to figure it all out at once, and that is not possible. It is simply not possible--it is the way I lived my previous life, but it does not work with Christ. You are such a babe in Christ--think of a newborn--what are they really responsible for? Just resting and receiving and enjoying the treasure of their new Comforter.

 

[Arcwood]

Is94

I read your post.. You stopped wearing pants?

I'm 23, I was gathered to the Father through Christs in grade 12. It has been very conflicting: the best and the worst times I've had.
I've often blasphemed, attempt sorceries, am incredibly hypocritical, and deny too much. all of this just too often.
and you know what I find? I still can't say I should be dead instead of in heaven. Because God still loves me, and that should never be something I would say. SO
Do not feel burdened by your sins. and shed yourself of Guilt, because Jesus is ready to dawn it himself without any disgrace to his Honorable name.

I think the reason why your miserable is because it can be incredible hard to find a friend who is living their faith. Some, like Jehovah's witnesses admit, they do not see what God's plans are. These friends can be hard to find. and this has brought about most of my misery.

KK WOE, first off. I should have started with this. God was there in the beginning. He will be there in the end. He is in fact here now. and his intent is to Glorify his Son Christ who loves you. You should not fear God.
When worried about sinning, remember what consequences it could have upon you or this world, and let that be your fear of God.
Consider what God could do to you in the Kingdom of heaven for compensation. [as I believe eternal condemnation takes place in the Kingdom heaven] {such as: do not touch. God will think that is grouse and so, if everyone agrees with God now because we're in heaven. I think that will mean, You simply, without chose, aren't gonna get to have sex with one of those fine fine virgins for an even longer period of time. and Heaven became hell because you were condemned by your previous actions in this life to not be clean in the next.}
srry I don't know where to reference these from
~The beginning of Wisdom is the fear of God.
~The fear of God is to hate what he hates
In other words, to be wise, you must take into account you disdain what God is displeased by and thus avoid conflict.
However if you do not see conflict but are just emotional. I suggest you take into account how this will effect the world, and simply be respectful because the Lord God is forgiving.



Don't say your rejecting the new plan God has for you. You still don't know what that is.

 

[Possy]

Dear Godislove94. I'm new on this forum and don't know how to message you. I would love to see how you are as your experience is what I'm going through currently.

 

[Possy]

Hi
I don't know how to private message but was wondering if I could chat with you about this?

This is my struggle ATM.