Is anyone else really discouraged right now? I feel like I'm having a crisis-in-faith

[Blessedx4]

I don't know exactly what it is. I am constantly under attack with doubts, anger and feeling like I want to just give-up. I'm tired of these "life's lessons" - they really stink! These last two days have been just a drain on me. I almost feel like neither God nor anyone else is on my side.

It's not giving up hope for the Rapture. Shoot that would be great!

It's not just one thing - I can't explain it.

I guess I'm just really soul-weary and long for rest.

[CBancs]

I have been feeling the same way. I feel very distant from God lately, I keep praying and wondering when things will change.

[cameron222]

Blessed you are not alone. I sometimes wonder why I experience some of the things I do when the heathens rage and fall into pots of gold and fame and adulation. Why not me?

But God does answer my prayers, and when He does I regain new strength and feel His presence once again. I don't know what to say except to thank God for the things you can be thankful for. That may not seem like much now, but praise sets off a chain of events that leads to contentment.

God bless you..... :):

[Honda873]

i feel the same, i feel like im not praying right, and not feeling God's presence when i need it.....it stinks....though its starting to get better today....

[purplelinny]

Satan is working overtime. He knows time is short and he's trying so hard to topple us. I found myself rebuking him the other day when I was overcome with negative stuff. Then I thanked the Lord for prodding me :^)

[Blessedx4]

:nod I feel like my prayers are hitting the ceiling and going no further

When you mentioned praise Cameron my eyes filled with tears. Something in my heart really responded to that. BUT ..... I want to praise but fear I'll be squeezed harder (does that sound cowardly or what?!) :sigh

[Blessedx4]

Purplelinny I have been a Christian for a long time and have never gone through anything like this. I never doubted God was there before. Not in 20 something years. I don't understand where all of it is coming from.

[cameron222]

No blessed. Fear is a natural emotion and we do not want more pain.

But God inhabits our praise and thats a great way to go to where He is.

[RJs here]

Girl ~ you have a way of finding the weirdest WACKIEST news stories of all time! :freaked

That one you found last week ~ about homosexual school for tots -- was just about ENOUGH to make me want to *give up*! :B: :doh

Could be the :evil wants you to stop all together.

While I don't advise stopping all together ~ I very much think it is appropriate and NEEDED to take a *break* when we're so on the verge of burn out!

Wish you were here -- I'd take you out for Mexican food this evening! :nod

There's a verse in Mark that says, "Come away and rest for a little while" ~ I'm a thinkin' that is YOUR verse right now!

Nothing wrong with taking time to *regroup* ~ Ecc. 3 reminds us there is a time and a purpose for EVERYTHING under heaven!

You were on my mind (with prayer) even today ~ and get this! While I was shopping in the Christian bookstore even!!

God has not given up on YOU ~ don't you for one minute give up on HIM!!

He expects us to have faith in Him ~ but THE question is ~ can He have faith *in us*.... to keep on keeping on, even when we don't FEEL His presence??

Hugs & blessings!
:hug

[Frodo]

Don't worry, it's normal for us humans to go through times like this. Elijah did, too, and look at what a great man of God he was. Hang in there.

1 Kings 19:4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

[NoCheechako]

Elijah was cared for by ravens in the wilderness, ate from a never ending batch of flour and oil, witnessed the folly of pagan gods and the power of the one true God consume a soaking wet sacrifice, stones and water from the trench, and supervised the killing of the prophets of Baal. Yet he came the the following place in life:

1 Kings 19


Elijah Flees to Horeb

1 Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, "May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them."
3 Elijah was afraid [1] and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day's journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD ," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." 5 Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep.
All at once an angel touched him and said, "Get up and eat." 6 He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.
7 The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, "Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you." 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 There he went into a cave and spent the night.


The LORD Appears to Elijah

And the word of the LORD came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
10 He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."
11 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD , for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD , but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
14 He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."
15 The LORD said to him, "Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. 16 Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. 17 Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu. 18 Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel-all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him."


The Call of Elisha
19 So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. 20 Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. "Let me kiss my father and mother good-by," he said, "and then I will come with you."
"Go back," Elijah replied. "What have I done to you?"
21 So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant.


Keep you eyes on God, listen for that quiet voice, know that others even Elijah have been there.

We do serve a mighty and awsome God.

I'll pray for you today

[RJs here]

Oh ~ and my stomach's sorta' upset just THINKING about that Mexican food! :B: {we eat so much of it in Okla ~ that we stay bloated all the time!

And look like this: :freaked


:lol

But another thing you could do to take a *break* tonight -- would be to go turn on TV (something I normally would NOT recommend! :D:) ~ do you get cable or satelite?

"The Bachelor & the Bobby Soxer" is coming on in a few minutes.....

Can't beat an evening w/Cary Grant & Shirley Temple!

:D:

[KateCanada]

Thanks for the thread Blessed. I am scared and praying all the time. I'm questioning everything lately. I've had some personal issues that have taken there toll on me and don't understand what it is I'm doing wrong. I try my hardest to give thanks every day for what I have in my life (family) but out side forces that are out of my control are really having an affect on everyone close to me including myself. Another words, giving up has been my challenge lately as well. My life feels like a roller coaster. Good days and bad. :(:

[seeker42]

Hi Blessedx4

I can well understand that the devil would want to knock you out of commission. I have been encouraged so often by your work and the stories that you have posted, and I know that others have used these for websites that in turn, without exagerating – have informed thousands.

So Praise the Lord for the work that you have done, and that He continues to do through you, But I am sure that you are on someone’s hit list. I expect that you will be knocked to and fro, and that you will be disoriented, and that you will be in a target for being harrassed. Remember the point in those moments: to teach us stand up and fight with the Sword.

The devil is evil, but he still is going to loose.


Seeker

[seeker42]

I don't understand where all of it is coming from.

It comes from the level of evil that is rising and continues to gain momentum. Each new level of evil demands a corresponding new level of strength from us. But it must be the Lord’s strength ,and not our own, since our strength is far too insuficient.

Presuming that what you feel is generated somewhere outside of you, it is coming from 2 sources:

The World System and the Evil one (Satan). It is not that he knows his time is short. It is how he is changing the rules as that time gets shorter.


Every place that there is an increase in actual evil, there is also an increase in a “personal willingness” towards evil. Every time there is an increase in personal willingness, the result is greater actual evil through actions taken. It’a circle of steps that are being taken to move the world and the world system Farther away from God.

In other words, this place is getting worse and worse. I am not sure what the rate of increase is. But more and more people are being seduced to wrong theology, and more and more people are separating themselves towards making choices against God. (at the same time, those who stay the course or grow towards God, are having to learn to depend more on the Holy Spirit).

Some levels of darkness are deeper than others. As the world becomes progressively more dark, this is what compels Christians to learn to steady themselves and depend on the Light of Jesus Christ.


Seeker

[seeker42]

At the risk of sounding strange (but why would that stop me now ?) – I have noticed on occasions that thoughts were coming into my head...that had nothing to do with me. I would be thinking and then would notice suddenly that I was very angry or hostile or depressed about something in particular. Finally (with God’s help), I recognized that and said to myself “Hey, I was thinking those things...but that did not come from me”. Just because the Devil cannot read our thoughts, does not mean that he does not try to influence us and stick thoughts or suggestions in our minds sometimes. (I think that is how he and his forces attack Christians sometimes).

At that point I had to go back and read the Bible. The more Bible I read, the calmer and more peaceful I became. That has worked several times.

Seeker
:):

[RJs here]

seeker42 ~ I appreciate your wise thoughts (as usual! :):



Thanks for the thread Blessed. I am scared and praying all the time. I'm questioning everything lately. I've had some personal issues that have taken there toll on me and don't understand what it is I'm doing wrong. I try my hardest to give thanks every day for what I have in my life (family) but out side forces that are out of my control are really having an affect on everyone close to me including myself. Another words, giving up has been my challenge lately as well. My life feels like a roller coaster. Good days and bad. :(:



No, no, no, NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

There will be NO giving up around here!!!


Now ~ am I going to have start flogging some folks with a soggy fish!!??

:fish

:D:


Go here ~ I was listening to this AWESOME song today {think it's called, "Glory Road" ~ it's incredibly AWESOME!!}


www.chosen-few.com

Link that will take you directly to the song: http://www.chosen-few.com/default.aspx?tid=4&aid=11

It's #8 ~ "At the End of Glory Road"


And then go here: http://www.chosen-few.com/default.aspx?tid=5

And read the bio of Brian Arnold!!

Will rather remind us that none of us have any business feeling sorry for ourselves!



{don't make me get out that wet fish!!..... /mommy mode!}

[cameron222]

A nice bowl of ice cream might help..... :B:

Seriously, God is still in control and He knows all about your worries and concerns and He is concerned and cares for you. Find a few good things that are going on and dwell on that.

And remember that any care you have is only temporary. Better days are coming and today will soon be history.

We are with you in our thoughts and prayers. :):

[vmoon]

I once heard a preacher say that when you go through these dry times just remember.............This is a test, only a test. Hold on. I tell myself that ALL the time. Tomorrow will be another day, if you do not feel better hold on until the next day and so on. He will never leave us or forsake us. He promised. WE OF ALL PEOPLE HAVE TO HOLD ON. You can do it. Jesus will help you, even when you don't FEEL like he is helping you. I think of it like this.............Today I help you hold on, tomorrow you may have to help me. :):

[annie10]

Blessed :hug Hang in there girl. Soon, very very soon we will be going home. You're race will be won, and you can spend eternity resting in the arms of our Savior!! :nod

[Patty T]

You are certainly not alone my friend. I've been struggling in several areas lately. I am committed to Jesus, but this darn flesh of mine is really hard to control sometimes. The enemy is whispering (more like shouting) how short I fall, and very detailed about what I'm NOT doing - or saying - or praying - or reading - or believing, etc., ect., ect. It goes on and on.

I know that we walk by faith and not by sight. I know that it's only by HIs grace that I am saved. I know that He'll never leave me or forsake me, but right now I feel like He's in another universe or something.

But every morning I wake up thinking about Him - and all day long I think about Him and talk to Him. Someday (soon I hope) my flesh will line up with my spirit. Someday (soon I hope) Jesus will come back and rescue me - wretched person that I am - I know EXACTLY how Paul felt.

[Blessedx4]

Thank you, Annie that sounds wonderful. I'm so tired.

I will have to avoid some topics that's for sure. Truthfully much of the time coming here gets my mind OFF of things that are worrying me. I'm almost relieved to think about something else.

I know I'm not trusting the Lord when I worry. I was taught that as a babe in Christ. But I don't seem to be able to help myself. I'm either worrying about my kids or worrying about money and I'm so sick of it. Worry controls me.

[Blessedx4]

Patty I think about Him all day too. I have spent so many years praying constantly it's like breathing. I do it now without even realizing it.

I feel pretty helpless to change things and to control my thoughts. I know what I'm suppose to do. I know what I should do. I want to do the right things. So why on earth can't I ever seem to get it right? I hate my weaknesses :nod

Every now and then I get this glimpse- very briefly - that there will be days of joy and that God is performing a work in me. But to see that is fleeting.

[Mountain Girl]

Ever since Bondservant posted the thread, "Garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness", it keeps running through my mind.

We are supposed to praise Him in everything.........so I'm going to start praising Him for the tribulations that come my way.

Also............when God allowed satan to afflict Job, God had been bragging on him. Do you all think that God ever brags on us? :confused

[humbleone]

There is a very good book called _Praise Works_ by Merlin or Merrill ? Carruthers (sp?). I highly recommend it. It's all about how, especially when it seems to NOT make sense to do so, to just praise the Lord. Thank Him for that backache, for getting laid off, for the arthritis in your hands (what Im doing...am only 30 and struggling with it)... A friend of mine was just telling me he decided to praise the Lord for allowing him to be molested when he was little, and he thanked GOd for protecting him during it... and said this joy started bubbling up from within and that he laughed like he hadn't laughed in a LONG time.

Praise WORKS! Try it for yourself, and see! (It's quite difficult to do, just do it and forget how "wrong" it feels and how bad you feel...).

God bless,

humbleone

[Anne-teeter]

Oh, Blessed. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I'm so glad you posted this. I've been struggling lately with feeling close to the Lord. I'm disappointed in life -- don't want to be here anymore -- and I can't help but tell Him I'm very disappointed. I feel like I'm pouting, like a child would give the "pouting eyes" to her father and ignoring Him, keeping the prayers short. I've been trying to be thankful and been asking for forgiveness for . . . I don't even know what to call my attitude. I just know I haven't been acting right.

Reading this thread was uplifting. I'm so happy to see others so willing to be so encouraging to others. And this reminded me of the verse I so needed right now.

2 Corinthians 12:9 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

YSIC

[1Heavenbound]

Hello! I wish I had some wonderful words of wisdom for what you're going thought, but I don't. However, I can tell you that I have gone through the same things (and still do), but when I feel like I just cannot seem to go on...I go to my bedroom, lay down, close my eyes, and picture myself curled up in His lap. I don't try to pray, but I clear my mind of everything, except that one image. You'd be suprised how much comfort you will find. Just rest in Him and He'll bring you through. God Bless!

[KateCanada]

Boy that would be hard for me to praise for my struggles. I will try... :freaked :faint

[knox]

1 Thessalonians 4


17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord for ever.
18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.

This is the reason we come to this board - to encourage each other, all of us experience down times.

[sydneyoo7]

Hello to all and blessings in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazarath. My goodness I definitely know I am not two bricks short of a load now. Seeker those voices you were hearing I use to hear for years and when i became a christian a year later on a healing retreat I recieved deliverence and the voices never came back until a week ago. Last week I thought I was loosing my marbles and was guided to the bord. I was hearing horrible things and thought this is not right. I was being injured left and right and then crying all the time my family could not figure out what was up. I honestly thought I had angered God and he was not protecting me anymore. It was not until I read a thread about Have you Forsaken me that I snapped out of it. I realized like before that I was under attack. I spent the whole day trying to type with two fingers because both my hands were injured , on fire and numb and each time a thought or me thinking of the past or negative came into my mind I just spoke out to God. I have being tear free for two days now and the anxious feeling and edgyness has left. My brother in law always said that when God is about to do something in our lives that will change us for ever expect to be under attack but do not be scared because He will prevail.

He is so right. Anytime I was scheduled to go to healing retreats I would become depressed or panic or be afraid to die or drive. After five rebookings for the three day of intensive healing I finally went and pushed my self through a snow storm to get a few hours away. This retreat changed my life for ever . Now when I feel this way I just know that it is for one reason that evil is trying to sway me and that is because God has a plan for me and it involves a change with him and growing into a new level.

Take care all and I will continue to pray for all.

I am prompted to leave us all with a prayer.

Lord Jesus Christ of Nazarath we come to you today in great need of restoration. You know what is to take place with all of us and for that we are in Your hands and are thankful that You are always there. Even though we can not see what is around us we are comforted to know that your mighty warriors are in our midst. Lord You are all loving and all powerful and we thankyou for bringing us together to strengthen Your word. Lord we humbly submitt ourselves to you in prayer for guidence, wisdom and incite as to what You would like us to do. Lord I ask that you place a mighty hedge of protection around all of your believers and also that Your Holy Spirit begins to whisper in the ears of those that have being deaf and shed light upon those that have being blind. AMEN

I love You ALL

Blessings
cindy

[annie10]

Thank you, Annie that sounds wonderful. I'm so tired.

I will have to avoid some topics that's for sure. Truthfully much of the time coming here gets my mind OFF of things that are worrying me. I'm almost relieved to think about something else.

I know I'm not trusting the Lord when I worry. I was taught that as a babe in Christ. But I don't seem to be able to help myself. I'm either worrying about my kids or worrying about money and I'm so sick of it. Worry controls me.

Blessed I used to worry all the time too. About everything. After a while it got to much, I would drive myself crazy, and I started praying everytime I felt the worry coming on. I do worry at times still, but I try to give it to the Lord. Money was a big thing, we go through ups and downs, but I know God knows our needs, and we have always had food. Material things don't mean anything to me, as long as we have food and shelter, that is all we really need.

I worry about the kids, I think every mom worries about her kids no matter how old they get. I posted a thread in the womens forum over the anxiety I felt last week about my 5 year old going on his school trip. I had to pray many times and even this morning has he went on his trip, I was pleading with God to keep him safe today. And he came home in one piece, I was so thankful.

Worry is a big weight to carry around, I will pray for you, so that God will ease your mind and take the weight off your shoulders. :hug

[antitox]

Blessedx4,

Most of the time we don't feel God's presence, but that's what faith involves; trust. If we always felt His presence when we thought we should, faith would not operate. We would rely on feeling. But that's what the earthly life consists of: a difficult world to live in with outward separation from God, but an inward assurance from the Holy Spirit.
Do not let the enemy capitalize on this by yielding to depression and doubt. All that does is cause a downward spiral in your life.

I don't know what you're going though, but it is possible that you could be running around the mountain again and again. If the same old life problems keep rearing their heads, you could be making the same wrong choices repeatedly.

Are you in a church? Do you have some good Christian friends?
Tithe. Pray and live out the principles of God's word. Spend time with Him and learn to trust Him.

[Mountain Girl]

There is a very good book called _Praise Works_ by Merlin or Merrill ? Carruthers (sp?). I highly recommend it. It's all about how, especially when it seems to NOT make sense to do so, to just praise the Lord. Thank Him for that backache, for getting laid off, for the arthritis in your hands (what Im doing...am only 30 and struggling with it)... A friend of mine was just telling me he decided to praise the Lord for allowing him to be molested when he was little, and he thanked GOd for protecting him during it... and said this joy started bubbling up from within and that he laughed like he hadn't laughed in a LONG time.

Praise WORKS! Try it for yourself, and see! (It's quite difficult to do, just do it and forget how "wrong" it feels and how bad you feel...).

God bless,

humbleone


Thank you for reminding me about that book.........I read it a long time ago. He found that God began to change his circumstances when he praised God for his problems. He began to counsel other people to do the same, and their circumstances changed for the better.

Well, in the bible, the story of Paul and Silas is a good example of this. And at midnight(some say this is the darkest part of the night)Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God, and the other prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake.........and immediately all of the prison doors were opened.......

So prayer with praise opened the prison doors. :clap

[Blessedx4]

Thank you for the suggestions, prayers and kind words :hug

It defies "human reason" that we praise the Lord when we're hurting or afraid doesn't it? But I've heard that all my Christian life. It is evidence (or proof) of our Trust no doubt about that.

[Ironers]

I know what you mean Blessedx4, I just want it be over myself as well. It's like having to watch a myrad of good & bad movie trailers before the feature presentation starts.

[TRUTHSEEKER815]

Blessed-that book by Merlin Carothers(his first) is Power in Praise-of which i keep a copy nat home-it is really true -we are to praise Him in all things and also remember my favorite verse;Romans 8:28,which goes along with this-"ALL things work together for good for those called according to God's purpose"-which includes YOU!We do all go thru these times,but knowing He's in control and will gladly take our burdens is such a comfort-so just relax,know He's in charge and continue with your interesting news items!This seems to be your calling and I know He's very pleased with you!Just think of all the different people you affect by your posting!Love in the Lord,Truthseeker815 :thumb

[Blessedx4]

Thank you Truthseeker :):

I will have to look for that book now.

[I Believe!!!]

You know what guys, I've really been experiencing some very similar feelings as described here. Of course I am pregnant and crazy right now as well as being very busy. I agree that no matter how overwhelming the negative feelings are...they are just feelings.

About a month ago I was really having a hard time, discouraged in the same manner described on this thread. Well, my husband and I had a group of people over at the house (some christian some not christian)during the time I was feeling pretty down, and we all had a pretty good time. Interestingly that night I had a very vivid dream (imagine that, me having dreams!). I was walking into the dining room serving our guests just as I had the night before, all was just just the same except for this lone figure coming towards me.

This lone figure was wearing a brown monk type outfit with the hood on. The outfit was well made with subtle ornate silk stitching on the edges. As I was passing this figure the hood began to rase up slowly and I was a little concerned as I was afraid that the dream was going to take on a nightmarish quality. Finally I was able to see the face and it was the face of Jesus. He simply walked by as if concentrating on a mission or work that He was doing amongst the guests that night. It was very sureal seeing the spiritual world with the physical world. I sensed that Christ had been with us during our conversation with our guests and that His presence is very much with my family.

My mother in law lator commented (her and her friend stayed the night over) how she and her friend felt so at peace at our home (they are christians as well) the night we had our guests over.

What's my point? While we may feel like failures or not so positive about ourselves at times, Christ still continues to work through us and with us, He is faithful to us. His work in us is so important to Him and I think Christ really has a very singular love and goal to finish His work in us. :wave

[Receptive]

If you never felt pain,
then how would you know that I'm a Healer?

If you never went through difficulties,
how would you know that I'm a Deliverer?

If you never had a trial,
how would you call yourself an over comer?

If you never felt sadness,
how would you know that I'm a Comforter?

If you never made a mistake,
how would you know that I'm forgiving?

If you knew all,
how would you know that I will answer your questions?

If you never were in trouble,
how would you know that I will come to your rescue?

If you never were broken,
then how would you know that I can make you whole?

If you never had a problem,
how would you know that I can solve them?

If you never had any suffering,
then how would you know what Jesus went through?

If you never went through fire,
then how would you become pure?

If I gave you all things,
how would you appreciate them?

If I never corrected you,
how would you know that I love you?

If you had all power,
then how would you learn to depend on me?

If your life was perfect,
then what would you need Me for?

Love Jesus

Praying for you, that the Comforter Jesus sent you does his job.

[purplelinny]

I finally made it back to this thread. Man! The evil one is testing my patience. After reading the latest responses last night, including the brilliantly wise words from Seeker (#15), I hit F5 to refresh the screen and my computer completely pooped out. I was full of things that I wanted to say - most of which are now forgotten :-/

Blessed... what Seeker said about satan having to step up his efforts makes perfect sense to me. You have been strong in your faith for a good twenty years and that could be why the evil one is trying extra hard with people like you? I'm still a babe in Christ, but I have saturated myself with the word and feel that I am very strong in the faith... and I just know when satan is trying to get to me. And I hate to say this, sometimes I don't realize as quickly as I should and I get myself in a terrible state :-(

Satan is trying to sow seeds of doubt in people's mind, and he wants them to grow. If we shed one scrap of light on these seeds, they can sprout. I am having to blank any and all paranoid thoughts that pop into my head because they quickly grow into nightmare scenarios. Satan knows my nemesis. So I rebuke it and throw it all at the Lord for Him to deal with.

I'm not sure if I'm making any sense, but I just try to keep my heart with the Lord at all times. It seems that satan will try to dive into any window of opportunity.

These days sure are a drag at the best of times... everything is hard work, nothing is simple and people are cranky. It is hard to find joy in life sometimes, but I notice that when I turn my eyes back to the Lord and give thanks just for being, He soothes my hurting mind and tired soul. He's such a breath of fresh air.

/end ramble

[MyLife4Him]

Hello to all and blessings in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazarath. My goodness I definitely know I am not two bricks short of a load now. Seeker those voices you were hearing I use to hear for years and when i became a christian a year later on a healing retreat I recieved deliverence and the voices never came back until a week ago. Last week I thought I was loosing my marbles and was guided to the bord. I was hearing horrible things and thought this is not right. I was being injured left and right and then crying all the time my family could not figure out what was up. I honestly thought I had angered God and he was not protecting me anymore. It was not until I read a thread about Have you Forsaken me that I snapped out of it. I realized like before that I was under attack.
Blessings
cindy

Oh brothers and sisters! Thank you so much for posting this!!! I have been struggling with this myself for about two years now (the voices). I have always attributed it to just being wacky somehow. It is such a comfort to know that I am not the only one who struggles with this.

One thing I have found that helps sometimes is rebuking the thoughts. Usually I ethier say to myself or out loud, "I rebuke that thought in the name of the LORD Jesus Christ. I know that thought was not my own, and is a lie. I command that thought to go to Jesus right now and leave me. I ask this in Jesus's name -- AMEN!". This works sometimes, other times the thoughts return and I just repeat the same prayer ad nasuem until they leave.

This has brought me some peace. I seem to go through waves of it -- sometimes they are incredibly bad coming with frequency. Other times, I may go weeks withount hearing them.

I hate them. They torture me... I have also doubted my salvation a few times after dealing with them. I just keep reminding myself that they are not my thoughts.

Thank you once again for sharing this...:):

[purplelinny]

Bah. I can't sleep, so I'm drinking some hot milk...

Oh brothers and sisters! Thank you so much for posting this!!! I have been struggling with this myself for about two years now (the voices). I have always attributed it to just being wacky somehow. It is such a comfort to know that I am not the only one who struggles with this. <snip>


It is a comfort to know you're not alone isn't it?!

One time, I was in church on a wednesday evening and I was almost overcome with this incessant cussing inside my head, and I mean really bad cussing. IIRC it was before the sermon began. I kind of sat up and took notice of this involuntary episode, realising that it was not my own natural thoughts and I rebuked it. It stopped.

I'm now recognising these moments sooner and nipping them in the bud before they propogate into something serious.

/laughs to self (another sign of madness ;-)
Anyone reading this might think some of us are bonkers and that's fine because "We're going to Heaven". Yippeee :clap
(I've been trying not to use those smilies, but that was a well deserved one)
But hopefully, it will help someone understand the battles that we all face.

[Blessedx4]

I carry on conversations with Jesus all the time in my head. Have done it for years. Some would wonder about that but it's the most natural thing for me.

One thing that I've noticed is quoting scripture also helps when your thoughts run wild.

I have sat down and read the Bible before and where my stomach had been just in knots, that disappeared. Or I'd forget the worry that controlled me before. I tell you that's how I've coped this long. :lol :nod

When all I've got to hang onto is scripture, it really makes that song "Standing on the Promises" real for me.

[Bone_Mender]

My faith is in a heap of ruins...shot full of holes. But I guess that's just how it is. :sigh I don't even bother much anymore. What's the point. I can talk til I'm blue in the face and get absolutely nowhere. Basically, all I see is a grown man talking to himself like a raving lunatic. :twitch

Hope you can piece it together Blessed. :thumb

[blessanna]

Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings, see what God has done. Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings see what God has done.

2 Corinthians 4:8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

Isaiah 61:3
and provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

[A.Rachel]

I have been feeling the same feelings lately also - that God is so distant from me nowadays. I pray for forgiveness for whatever I have done to make Him pull away from me. And I pray to feel Him near me again. But He still feels so far away. After a while of this empty-distant feelings inside, I begin to wonder WHY, and I begin to wonder if I haven't been fooling myself all along thinking that I am somehow good enough to be saved. I know it all rests on faith not works, but is my faith good enough? Am I just kidding myself? I'm no missionary in Africa. I am no great religious, pious person. I have sins I deal with on a daily basis. Sometimes I can be selfish and petty and easily angered by others. I don't live the life of Christ - I can't walk in His footsteps, I can't feel the way He feels or think the way He thinks - I keep messing everything up even though I try not to.

I don't feel good enough. Enough said. I feel like I am going to be one of those people the Bible speaks of when it talks about all those people to whom Jesus will say, "Go away from Me, I never knew you". I feel just horrible about that. I don't want that to be true. But what can I do? I am a failure at living a holy life. My sins come back every day and sometimes I get so angry that I don't even care if they do.

And I wonder WHY is this happening? WHY is God so far way? Maybe He has always been far away and I just fooled myself into thinking He wasn't.

And if He is not really so far away, then WHY do I feel so alone and empty now? And WHY when I call to Him, do I not feel Him come to me? I guess I just worry that the reason for all those things is that He just doesn't care or that I am just not on His list.

And I am really worried about not being on His list - written in His book.

I really don't like when I feel this way. :(:

[Blessedx4]

I feel that way to A Rachel. I know exactly how your feeling. Don't give up. I really don't think it's God making us feel like that. I am convinced that's just Satan playing on my fears. About a week ago I asked God "Why have you forsaken me?" As clear as if someone had been standing right beside me and spoke the words to me "I will never leave you nor forsake you, you are my child and I love you. I always will"

My big problem is I have to "help" God fix my problems. For the last few months this scripture has been bouncing around in my brain. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths" (I hear it a few different ways- different words, but the underlying message is always the same) I am finally beginning to suspect what it is that God is trying to teach me. See I'm a 'fixer' - I see a problem and panic and do things to "fix" the problem. Not waiting on the Lord. I use my own cunning and wisdom to fix it. And it usally makes things worse :sigh

God meets our needs, answers our prayers - but I've learned that He does not take directions very well. I have these fantasies of what I'm wanting to come to pass- of how I want things done. I have to confess that much of the time I'm not real happy that He doesn't listen to my advice.

I also have a problem with guilt. I feel it keenly. I feel shame very much sometimes because I fail so miserably at being what I want to be. I've asked Him "Lord, how do you stand me?" .... "I wouldn't be able to stand me, how do you do it?" I can almost feel Him smile at me.

As for why is God so far away. Don't forget He promised to never leave us. I have hung onto that myself over the last few months, even though I can't "feel" His presence I still hang onto that promise.

Anyway, God bless you all. I've said a prayer of thanks for everyone here. There's much good advice and food for thought in this thread.

[A.Rachel]

Blessedx4,
Thanks! :hug








PS ~~~> I'm a "fixer" too. It is ironic that I cannot fix myself though, huh? :sigh

[Doublezero]

Seeker42: I hear ya. Happens to me too. I hate it, but i know it will only be temporary.

When i get boggled down by things I come to this board. This messege board is an oasis from everything else. It's great to openly discuss things with other good, understanding Christians. I feel lucky to be apart of it........


Sometimes when im spiritually exhausted, i just try to look at in the larger scheme of things, or look at it from a diff. angle. Know that everything here is just temporary. That's what keeps me motivated :-)

[Mongoose60]

These days I'am so tired of having to put up with these demonic enities and wondering as to why God allowed this to take place to start with.Still wishing that He would deal with them.

[Blessedx4]

Why? Why? Why?

I had to come on here and tell ya'll something that's happened to me.

I am a member of Crossings book club and am to the point that I can cancel my membership any time I want. I was sent a catalog last month I believe it was that had a book that looked really interesting- "Why?" by Anne Graham Lotz. I lost the catalog so went online and ordered the book as well as a prayer journal. I thought about it much later and went back and cancelled the order. See I really can't afford to order anything right now and need to concentrate on paying down our bills first.

Well I got a "shipment" from Crossings yesterday. Normally I just write "Please return" on the box and put it back in the mailbox for the mail lady to pick up.

But I opened the box. It was just the one book "Why?" Trusting God when you don't understand. It looked like it has 2 teardrops on the cover. I canceled the order a month ago. Normally I'd be upset, I don't like paying for things I don't want, but I began to read.

The book is based on John Chapter 11 about Lazarus. It has a forward in it by Joni Eareckson Tada. So far so good.

The first chapter I turned the page and here's the scripture "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" Prov. 3:5

:): (see my last post - post #47) - coincidence?

This book addresses all the why's I've seen stated here in these various posts.

It's a small book and filled with these wonderful stories. One of my favorites so far was about the Eagle and the Turkey. Which am I? Both see an approaching storm but they react totally different. The turkey will run under the barn hoping the storm doesn't come any closer. The Eagle takes to the sky becaue it knows the winds will carry it higher than it could ever achieve on it's own. I want to be an Eagle but have the heart of a turkey :lol

The book addresses
Why hasn't God answered my prayers?

Why does God let bad things happen to good people?

Why doesn't God care?

Why Me?

Why is God silent?

Why did God let the worst happen?

Why doesn't God protect those He loves?

Why didn't God intervene?

Why hasn't God met my needs?

Why doesn't God perform a miracle?

Why won't God release me from the Pain?

I've asked every one of these questions for the last 10 months.

I suspect it wasn't a coincidence I received the book. I wanted to come here and share that with you. I recommend that you all pick it up. Note the book doesn't give great "NEW" revelations on the workings of God's mind. But boy does it give hope! and comfort!

I think she read my mind and wrote the book for me. :):

[SeaDreamer]

Blessed, my husband has been going on about how great this book is for weeks now. He has it on cd and listens to it each morning on his way to work.

[purplelinny]

Why? Why? Why?

I had to come on here and tell ya'll something that's happened to me.

:clap
Praising the Lord!
:clap

It leaves me in absolute awe the way He works like this.
No such thing as coincidence - and don't we know it!
God is good.
:wave

[Mongoose60]

Sounds like a real good book.

[joyfulnoise]

Thanks for the book tip, Blessed.

I'm in the same boat with ya. Praying...............

[Blessedx4]

I am ordering the book Daily Light mentioned in Mrs. Lotz's book :thumb

I read the Bible daily but have actually been looking for something like Daily Light.