I sometimes feel God has let me down

[Christian_lady]

I sometimes feel as God doesn't care or that He's laughing at me and He's letting me down.

I know the Bible tells us otherwise but the Bible to me is just black words on white paper.

I could tell my dog I love him but not treat him the way a loving pet-owner treats their pets.

I believe all the words in the Bible but sometimes they are just empty words to me.

"God loves me"
"God cares"
"God hears"

I sometimes feel like telling God, "show, don't tell".

CL :giveup:

[tt1106]

Does he not CL? He loves you so much that he sent his son to die JUST for you. Can you see his love for you in your life?

[jayne]

I sometimes feel as God doesn't care or that He's laughing at me and He's letting me down.

I sometimes feel like telling God, "show, don't tell".

Hi, Christian Lady,


First of all, let me tell you that God loves you, in an active way, no matter what you feel. Thank God that our feelings have nothing to do with our relationship with Him.

Secondly, let me say that I have "been there, done that, and recovered".

You said that sometimes you "feel" like telling God that His love doesn't seem to be getting from the pages of His Word into your heart - you said "show, don't tell.".

Well, get off of your spiritual can and tell God that very thing. Humble yourself in prayer and tell Him that something is interferring with you experiencing His love for you. Tell Him that you know that He does love you and that you want to know His love intimately and every waking moment. Ask Him to remove any impedient that is in your life that is causing this interference and ask God to rebuke the devil who wants you to "feel" unloved.

In Jeremiah 18:1-4, we see that God (the potter) must take the vessel made of clay (you and me) and mar it and remodel it and remake it into something that He deems as good. I'm sure that this is not an easy process.

In Romas 5:8, we see the actual "showing" of God's love for us. While we were still sinners, he sent His Son. Before you were ever saved, Christian Lady, God loved you. In fact, He loved you before He ever said, "Let there be light".

In Micah 7:8, we see this expression being told to the enemy (the devil), "Do not rejoice over me, o my enemy, for when I fall, I shall get up. And when I am in the darkness, the Lord is my light." You have fallen ..... and are in the spiritual darkness. God and His Word are with you. The devil (and his lies) who put you there have long since abandoned you.

Finally, in Lamentations 3, we see a person who is suffering. Suffering because he "feels" that God has let him down. Sound familiar?

In the midst of him complaining and agonizing over God's treatment of him and his people, he rejoices.

He says this. "(21) But I seem to remember something ..... and it gives me hope. (22) It's because of the mercies of the LORD that we aren't all just consumed in His wrath. And that's because His compassions NEVER fail. (23) Every morning, they start all over again. GREAT is His faithfulness. (24) My soul will say that the LORD is enough for me (my portion). Therefore, all of my hopes I put in Him."

I will pray heartily for you today, Christian Lady. My heart hurts for you.

[Slug1]

God truly began to show me that He loved me when I asked Him what He wanted me to do for Him. Then I began to see Him working through me as I worked in ministry... in His love for those I helped, I began to understand His love for me and this overflowed to those I was helping, wanted to help, see them and love them as Jesus saw and loved them.

His love may be felt but when understood, goes much deeper then just a feeling.

[tt1106]

Does he not CL? He loves you so much that he sent his son to die JUST for you. Can you see his love for you in your life?

Read Psalms. You will see doubt, fear and plenty of Love.


Blessings Sister,
God loves you and I love you
I pray that you feel that today.


tt1106

[Vhayes]

I sometimes feel as God doesn't care or that He's laughing at me and He's letting me down.

I know the Bible tells us otherwise but the Bible to me is just black words on white paper.

I could tell my dog I love him but not treat him the way a loving pet-owner treats their pets.

I believe all the words in the Bible but sometimes they are just empty words to me.

"God loves me"
"God cares"
"God hears"

I sometimes feel like telling God, "show, don't tell".

CL :giveup:
What in particular are you thinking of when you say, "Show"?
V

[Christian_lady]

Does he not CL? He loves you so much that he sent his son to die JUST for you. Can you see his love for you in your life?

Read Psalms. You will see doubt, fear and plenty of Love.


Blessings Sister,
God loves you and I love you
I pray that you feel that today.


tt1106

No I don't see His Son's love for me in my everyday life. The only thing I can focus on is that His sacrifice means I can go to Heaven one day.

Other than that, everyday life is just a pain in the you know what.

CL

[Christian_lady]

God truly began to show me that He loved me when I asked Him what He wanted me to do for Him. Then I began to see Him working through me as I worked in ministry... in His love for those I helped, I began to understand His love for me and this overflowed to those I was helping, wanted to help, see them and love them as Jesus saw and loved them.

His love may be felt but when understood, goes much deeper then just a feeling.


I tried focusing on others and doing what I thought God wanted me to do. I did this for about 3-4 years, volunteering, telling others about Him, sacrificing for others.

Then I realized I wasn't getting anything in return - which made me feel guilty because love for God should be unconditional (not expecting something in return).

But despite the guilt, I felt like I just wasn't getting the reward and I slowly grew out of that phase.

[Christian_lady]

Hi, Christian Lady,


First of all, let me tell you that God loves you, in an active way, no matter what you feel. Thank God that our feelings have nothing to do with our relationship with Him.

Secondly, let me say that I have "been there, done that, and recovered".

You said that sometimes you "feel" like telling God that His love doesn't seem to be getting from the pages of His Word into your heart - you said "show, don't tell.".

Well, get off of your spiritual can and tell God that very thing. Humble yourself in prayer and tell Him that something is interferring with you experiencing His love for you. Tell Him that you know that He does love you and that you want to know His love intimately and every waking moment. Ask Him to remove any impedient that is in your life that is causing this interference and ask God to rebuke the devil who wants you to "feel" unloved.

In Jeremiah 18:1-4, we see that God (the potter) must take the vessel made of clay (you and me) and mar it and remodel it and remake it into something that He deems as good. I'm sure that this is not an easy process.

In Romas 5:8, we see the actual "showing" of God's love for us. While we were still sinners, he sent His Son. Before you were ever saved, Christian Lady, God loved you. In fact, He loved you before He ever said, "Let there be light".

In Micah 7:8, we see this expression being told to the enemy (the devil), "Do not rejoice over me, o my enemy, for when I fall, I shall get up. And when I am in the darkness, the Lord is my light." You have fallen ..... and are in the spiritual darkness. God and His Word are with you. The devil (and his lies) who put you there have long since abandoned you.

Finally, in Lamentations 3, we see a person who is suffering. Suffering because he "feels" that God has let him down. Sound familiar?

In the midst of him complaining and agonizing over God's treatment of him and his people, he rejoices.

He says this. "(21) But I seem to remember something ..... and it gives me hope. (22) It's because of the mercies of the LORD that we aren't all just consumed in His wrath. And that's because His compassions NEVER fail. (23) Every morning, they start all over again. GREAT is His faithfulness. (24) My soul will say that the LORD is enough for me (my portion). Therefore, all of my hopes I put in Him."

I will pray heartily for you today, Christian Lady. My heart hurts for you.

Thank you for what you've written. you've found some of my emotions in scripture.

I just don't know what to do. Am I suppose to suffer on earth and wait for Heaven? Where is the reward or happiness on earth? Is our only joy the idea that one day it will all be "over" and we can see Jesus face to face?

How many more years will I put up with suffering? 30? 40? 50? What's the point then of living on earth if all we do is suffer with the hope that one day we get to see God?

Why didn't I just die as an infant then and get it over with?

[Christian_lady]

What in particular are you thinking of when you say, "Show"?
V

I don't want to talk about it right now.

[moonglow]

You sound depressed actually. Depression will rob us of any joys in life. Depression can be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. I have heard depressed people...myself included...feeling as if no one loved me...not my mom, not my sisters...not anyone. I couldn't see they did. Because I couldn't see through the cloud of depression. And I felt like you..why was I even born..and I just wanted to get life over with and go on to Heaven and get some relief from these terrible feelings. I only saw the bad, never the good.

Most people when they give to others find a great joy in the act of giving. That is the reward for it. But a person cannot feel that if they are depressed. Have you talked to your doctor or anyone about this?

Now I am no longer depressed I know my family loves me...I see the good in life. And I know God loves all of us.

I am praying for you.

God bless

[Ayala]

Thank you for what you've written. you've found some of my emotions in scripture.

I just don't know what to do. Am I suppose to suffer on earth and wait for Heaven? Where is the reward or happiness on earth? Is our only joy the idea that one day it will all be "over" and we can see Jesus face to face?

How many more years will I put up with suffering? 30? 40? 50? What's the point then of living on earth if all we do is suffer with the hope that one day we get to see God?

Why didn't I just die as an infant then and get it over with?

We have purpose here as servants of Christ. And that is to help show the way to the lost. Eternal destiny is too important a thing to think only of ourselves. And as painful as our trials can seem, the fact of the matter is that they are nothing in comparison to what Christ faced. And they are a fleeting vapor compared to the life to come. Despite the troubles of this world, there are still many simple joys that make this life great...I'm sorry that you don't seem to see them right now. You sound alot like I was when I suffered from depression. I pray that the Lord comforts your heart.

[jayne]

Thank you for what you've written. you've found some of my emotions in scripture.

I just don't know what to do. Am I suppose to suffer on earth and wait for Heaven? Where is the reward or happiness on earth? Is our only joy the idea that one day it will all be "over" and we can see Jesus face to face?

How many more years will I put up with suffering? 30? 40? 50? What's the point then of living on earth if all we do is suffer with the hope that one day we get to see God?

Why didn't I just die as an infant then and get it over with?

Psalms 56:8-9 "You can tell my wanderings. You have put my tears into your bottle. Aren't they all in your book? When I cry out to you, my enemies will turn back, this I know for God is with me."

This is David's prayer when Saul is oppressing him. Let this be your prayer as you are battling another enemy altogether. Seek medical advice from your doctor and spiritual counsel.

Now, with that being said. You said that there were some things that you didn't want to talk about here.

That's OK. You don't have to.

But know this. God knows them. And the above scripture says that He knows everytime that you cry over it and He records, metaphorically speaking, your pain.

Why does David say it like that? Because it's true. God is the only one who knows your pain, understands it, and cares about it enough to keep it on His mind 24/7/365.

As much as we here are concerned over your seemingly (I'm not a doctor) depressed condition, we are only concerned for a brief time. I am leaving in just a bit to go to town and get a hair cut. I can't keep you on my mind 24/7/365.

But God can and does.

You said that what if life was to be full of suffering for 30 or 40 or 50 years. I believe that for you, it won't. I've been where you are and it "feels" (there's that word you like) like it will NEVER end and that you are the only one feeling it.

What are you to do?

*seek a doctor
*continue talking to people that you trust and believe
*continue in daily Bible readings
*make your prayer life raw and open - tell God exactly what's hurting you and listen to His reply
*seek others who are in worse shape than you so that you can minister to them
*find at least one thing that you can laugh about every day

I'll leave you with this painting. It meant a lot to me a long time ago.

If there's anything else you wish to share .... we are listening.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff19/miamada4/bbMyTearsInYourBottle2.jpg

[Christian_lady]

We have purpose here as servants of Christ. And that is to help show the way to the lost. Eternal destiny is too important a thing to think only of ourselves. And as painful as our trials can seem, the fact of the matter is that they are nothing in comparison to what Christ faced. And they are a fleeting vapor compared to the life to come. Despite the troubles of this world, there are still many simple joys that make this life great...I'm sorry that you don't seem to see them right now. You sound alot like I was when I suffered from depression. I pray that the Lord comforts your heart.

This whole "purpose" thing doesn't help me at all (sorry).
I tried serving as a servant of Christ for a few years but truly, I didn't see the reward. And I felt guilty because I knew deep down my love for God shouldn't come with "attached benefits". But as time went on, I realized I wasn't feeling any better.

If my entire purpose is to tell others about God, I should print off a million pamphlets, paste them on a million door knobs and then get into bed and wish I could enter Heaven sooner than later.

What's the point?

[Christian_lady]

You sound depressed actually. Depression will rob us of any joys in life. Depression can be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. I have heard depressed people...myself included...feeling as if no one loved me...not my mom, not my sisters...not anyone. I couldn't see they did. Because I couldn't see through the cloud of depression. And I felt like you..why was I even born..and I just wanted to get life over with and go on to Heaven and get some relief from these terrible feelings. I only saw the bad, never the good.

Most people when they give to others find a great joy in the act of giving. That is the reward for it. But a person cannot feel that if they are depressed. Have you talked to your doctor or anyone about this?

Now I am no longer depressed I know my family loves me...I see the good in life. And I know God loves all of us.

I am praying for you.

God bless

I'll try hard to see things the way you do. I know my family does love me. I just feel rejected by God from time to time.

[Christian_lady]

Psalms 56:8-9 "You can tell my wanderings. You have put my tears into your bottle. Aren't they all in your book? When I cry out to you, my enemies will turn back, this I know for God is with me."

This is David's prayer when Saul is oppressing him. Let this be your prayer as you are battling another enemy altogether. Seek medical advice from your doctor and spiritual counsel.

Now, with that being said. You said that there were some things that you didn't want to talk about here.

That's OK. You don't have to.

But know this. God knows them. And the above scripture says that He knows everytime that you cry over it and He records, metaphorically speaking, your pain.

Why does David say it like that? Because it's true. God is the only one who knows your pain, understands it, and cares about it enough to keep it on His mind 24/7/365.

As much as we here are concerned over your seemingly (I'm not a doctor) depressed condition, we are only concerned for a brief time. I am leaving in just a bit to go to town and get a hair cut. I can't keep you on my mind 24/7/365.

But God can and does.

You said that what if life was to be full of suffering for 30 or 40 or 50 years. I believe that for you, it won't. I've been where you are and it "feels" (there's that word you like) like it will NEVER end and that you are the only one feeling it.

What are you to do?

*seek a doctor
*continue talking to people that you trust and believe
*continue in daily Bible readings
*make your prayer life raw and open - tell God exactly what's hurting you and listen to His reply
*seek others who are in worse shape than you so that you can minister to them
*find at least one thing that you can laugh about every day

I'll leave you with this painting. It meant a lot to me a long time ago.

If there's anything else you wish to share .... we are listening.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff19/miamada4/bbMyTearsInYourBottle2.jpg

Thank again for your post. It's going to take a lot of work for me to get better.

I think God has abandoned me. People say, "no He hasn't because our Bible says so" but where is the proof in the pan? I've cried out to Him numerous times and nothing....

What's the point then? Is He selective with whom and when He helps?

[Vhayes]

Is it possible that you feel God is far from you because you are far from Him? You say you served - you did this for God and you did that for God.

God has need of nothing. There is nothing we can "do" for Him that cannot be done by another. The only thing that we need to "do" is seek Him by getting to know Him. The only way to do that is by prayer and reading His word. Service is good but should never be the top priority. The top priority is your relationship with Jesus.

God loves you. He always has. He always will. He has not moved an inch from where He has always been.

Tell God you are angry - He already knows anyway. Tell Him you feel somehow and somewhat betrayed. He knows that too. I have no idea how old you are (not that it matters - we are still children to God) but God is our loving Father. And just as an earthly parent sees what we need, so does our heavenly Father. There is always a reason for what He does and it is always because He loves us and wants what is best for us. He is not vindictive nor does He delight in our pain. Ask Him what it is He is trying to teach you - be open to what He shows you. He does care about you and no, He doesn't expect you to go through life in misery. He DOES expect you to go through life depending on Him and not yourself. He expects you to go through life as a witness to His kindness, goodness and mercy. THAT'S what people listen to, not pamphlets on doors.

Have a heart to heart with our Father - see what advice He gives.

Through it all, keep these verses in mind:
Romans 8
38 - For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
39 - nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

V

[Christian_lady]

Is it possible that you feel God is far from you because you are far from Him? You say you served - you did this for God and you did that for God.

God has need of nothing. There is nothing we can "do" for Him that cannot be done by another. The only thing that we need to "do" is seek Him by getting to know Him. The only way to do that is by prayer and reading His word. Service is good but should never be the top priority. The top priority is your relationship with Jesus.

God loves you. He always has. He always will. He has not moved an inch from where He has always been.

Tell God you are angry - He already knows anyway. Tell Him you feel somehow and somewhat betrayed. He knows that too. I have no idea how old you are (not that it matters - we are still children to God) but God is our loving Father. And just as an earthly parent sees what we need, so does our heavenly Father. There is always a reason for what He does and it is always because He loves us and wants what is best for us. He is not vindictive nor does He delight in our pain. Ask Him what it is He is trying to teach you - be open to what He shows you. He does care about you and no, He doesn't expect you to go through life in misery. He DOES expect you to go through life depending on Him and not yourself. He expects you to go through life as a witness to His kindness, goodness and mercy. THAT'S what people listen to, not pamphlets on doors.

Have a heart to heart with our Father - see what advice He gives.

Through it all, keep these verses in mind:
Romans 8
38 - For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
39 - nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

V

Thank you, you are very kind. I will speak to God about my anger and keep you posted on His reply.

CL

[jayne]

Thank again for your post. It's going to take a lot of work for me to get better.

Yes ....... it will.

You won't recover overnight. But you will recover. And it will take a lot of seeing things from God's point of view.

[moonglow]

First one from the Purpose Driven life:

The Lord has hidden himself from his people, but I trust him and place my hope in him. (Isiah 8:17 TEV translation) ...from the book...

Chapter 14

"God is real, no matter how you feel. Is it easy to worship God when things are going great in your life--when he has provided food, friends, family, health, and happy situations. But circumstances are not always pleasant. How do you worship God then? What do you do when God seems a million miles away?

The deepest level of worship is praising God in spite of pain, thanking God during a trial, trusting him when tempted, surrendering while suffering, and loving him when he seems distant. Friendships are often tested by separation and silence; you are divided by physical distance or unable to talk. In your friendship with God, you won't always feel close to him.

To mature your friendship, God will test it with periods of seeming separation..times when it feels as if he has abandoned or forgotten you. God feels a million miles away. Besides Jesus, David probably had the closest friendship with God of anyone. God took pleasure in calling him "a man after my own heart." (Acts 13:God said, `David son of Jesse is a man after my own heart, for he will do everything I want him to.')

Yet David frequently complained of God's apparent absence: "Lord, why are you standing aloof and far away? Why do you hide when I need you the most?" "Why have you forsaken me?" Why do you remain so distant? Why do you ignore my cries for help?" "Why have you abandoned me?"
{Psalm 22:1
My God, my God! Why have you forsaken me?
Why do you remain so distant?
Why do you ignore my cries for help?}


Of course, God hadn't really left David, and he doesn't leave you. He has promised repeatedly, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." But God has not promised "you will always feel my presence." In fact God admits that sometimes he hides his face from us. There are times when he appears to be MIA, in your life. In utter desperation you cry out, "What's the matter with me?"

The truth is, there's nothing wrong with you! This is a normal part of the testing and maturing of your friendship with God. Every Christian goes through it at least once, and usually several times. It is painful and disconcerting, but it is absolutely vital for the development of your faith. When God seems distant, you may feel that he is angry with you or is disciplining you for some sin. In fact, sin does disconnect us from intimate fellowship with God. We grieve God's Spirit and quench our fellowship with him by disobedience, conflict with others, busyness, friendship with the world and other sins. But often this feeling of abandonment or estrangement from God has nothing to do with sin. It is a test of faith...one we all must face.

Will you continue to love, trust, obey, and worship God, even when you have no sense of his presence or visible evidence of his work in your life?

When you are a baby Christian, God gives you a lot of confirming emotions and often answers the most immature, self centered prayers...so you'll know he exists. But as you grow in faith, he will wean you of these dependencies. Yes he wants you to sense his presence, but he' more concerned that you trust him than that you feel him. Faith, not feelings, pleases God.

Focus on who God is...his unchanging nature. Regardless of circumstances and how you feel, hang on to God's unchanging character. Remind yourself what you know to be eternally true about God: He is good, he loves me, he is with me, he knows what I'm going through, he cares, and he has a good plan for my life. Trust God to keep his promises. During times of spiritual dryness you must patiently rely on the promises of God, not your emotions, and realize that he is taking you to a deeper level of maturity.

David isn't the only one that many times did not feel the presents of God, so did Job, right after he lost his children, his wealth and health...there are many examples of people in the bible who said even during the worst of times they did not feel God, but as this says and the bible says...God promises He will never leave us or forsake us. So as difficult as it may be to not feel Him and not feel the joy you may have once has, just know, God is testing you and helping you rely on Him IN faith...not going only on feelings...

He is helping you grow...and continue to trust Him even if you feel He is not answering your prayers. The bible warns us to not go by our feelings on things anyway as our feelings are not reliable....just think about how many times you changed your mind about sometime because you felt differently from one day to the next?
(that last part I wrote..lol)...

[DaniHansen]

I'm going to ask you the same thing God asked me when I was going through a similar situation:

Are you going to live to live, or live to die? Your choice.

[moonglow]

I spent most of my life not feeling any sense of God..well except for very rare occasions ..enough to know He was 'around somewhere' but out of distance and out of touch with me. I cried many tears to have that connection with Him...to truly know Him...

But I also spend much of my life in depression and not realizing it either..so I did miss some very big signs He was not only around but watching over me.

I also spent alot of my life feeling I didn't fit in somehow, not even in my own family and struggled to figure out why. I had a learning disability so I didn't do well in school...that made me feel not connected to my school mates. Eventually one day my sister figured out the dates didn't add up to when dad and mom married and I was born. If she hadn't said anything it would have never occurred to me. At this point in our lives, dad was dead. He had died in a car accident a few years before and my mom was remarried.

Anyway I had run away from home...I don't even remember why. I was in my teen years and got all upset about something. Anyway while I was gone my mom tried to kill herself. She overdosed on Valium that she had gotten addicted too (was what the therapist gave her after dad died to 'help'...was the worse thing they could have given her) she took that and drank then hid but my step dad found her. they took her to the hospital and had her stomach pumped. :( I heard all about this second hand as I was hiding out in a hotel on the outskirts of town.

Anyway I made my way home and went to her bedroom in the middle of the night and just stood there. I think I ran away because her and dad had to get married because she was pregnant with me. She told me some things that, well, frankly didn't help. She said her mom, upon finding out she was pregnant called her all sorts of names...made her lift and push heavy furniture hoping she would lose me...:cry: Well all that did was make me feel more rejected and unwanted and very unloved...though it did explain the feelings I had most of my life.

it took me a long, long time to forgive my grandmother too.

Anyway the point of this story is I think because I felt this way, I pushed God away too because I was SURE He didn't want me because no one else did. That I was a 'mistake'. Mom said she didn't even know if she loved dad or not when they married. Well gosh...how is that going to make any kid feel? I ruined her life too! is how I saw it.

Teenager view everything to be about them. Now I am an adult I realize it makes no sense to blame myself for something I had no control over. I didn't make my mom and dad do anything. They did it and mom carried alot of guilt for it for many, many years. Probably why I always felt she kept me at arm's length. Our relationship is totally different now though and we are very close...so I am thankful for that.

Anyway strange things happened to me that looking back now I know God was watching over me. I was just too wrapped up in my own emotions and the drama's going on in our lives to see it. My life was like a soap opera for many years..very dysfunctional family growing up. My trust issues though I really think played a big part in my relationship with God...or lack of one. I still struggle at times with trusting Him...

Maybe you can relate to this...maybe not. Just hoping it might help.

God bless

[Moxie]

In Job 23:8-10: Behold, I go forward but He is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive Him; When He acts on the left, I cannot behold Him; He turns on the right, I cannot see Him. But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Like you, Job could not feel God's presence but, Job was assured that God was there. He knows exactly where you are and what thoughts you have. In Hebrews 13:5 it says, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you".

Rest in these words. When the thoughts of doubts arise in your mind, remind yourself that He is always there for you.

[Slug1]

But despite the guilt, I felt like I just wasn't getting the reward and I slowly grew out of that phase.Our reward comes after we die and stand before Jesus.

[livingwaters]

Sorry you're feeling this way...but, I know that as long as you're looking for something back, you surely won't get it!!! You, yourself, said as much. It's when you forget about me, me, me....and think Jesus, Jesus, Jesus...HE will pour down HIS blessings on you, but they'll most likely be in a way you're not expecting. God's ways are different and higher than our ways, thankfully. I am sorry to say that the way you talk you really don't understand the sacrafice Jesus made for you....that plus the Holy Spirit living in you should be suffiicient for true Peace and Joy. All through God's Word are HIS mighty promises to us...HE is NOT a man that HE should lie. Read your Bible alot!!! Of course we all have bad days, but God didn't promise us everything we wanted, but HE said HE would supply ALL of our needs. Do you have a roof over your head? Do you have food to eat? Do you have clothes on your back? Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior (that is the main thing)? Needs and wants are two totally different things. Try living for Christ, alone, and see what happens.....clear your mind of that garbage that satan has planted there....quit vocalized all these complaints and start vocalizing the Word of God, whether you feel like it or not.

If we, as True Christians, have no peace and joy of the Lord, something is terribly wrong....Do you know HIM as your Lord and Savior? Are you a born-again Christian? Have you made a public profession of your Faith in Christ Jesus? Helping people is wonderful, but not if you're gonna grumble the whole time...The Bible says, you could give your life, but if there is no love for others, it's all in vain!

:hug:I say all of these things in love because you just can't imagine how God wants to rain down HIS blessings on you, if you would just let HIM!

:pray:God bless and I pray that you rebuke satan in Jesus' name to release you from the bondage he has your mind tied to! Don't give satan a victory over your life. Go talk to your pastor, or do you have one? Do you go to church? I mean, something is really not right here! May the Lord continue to keep you so you can truly realize who Jesus is!!!:pp:pp

[DaniHansen]

Our reward comes after we die and stand before Jesus.

And while we remain here, Jesus Himself is our reward. What is better than more of Him every day? :)

[firstpeterone]

God is the Creator of the Heavens and Earth. He opens wombs, babies are born. You went through this experience with God wanting you in this world. He picked you to be here. He did it on purpose.

"for where your treasure is that is where your heart will be also".
What is a 'reward' for you? How does God reward.
"store up your treasures in Heaven"
treasures of this world may be very different than the treasures that can be stored in Heaven.
"delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=23&chapter=37&verse=3&end_verse=5&version=31&context=context

[blessedmommyuv3]

I speak this in all love and humility, perhaps you need to examine yourself and see if you are truly in the faith. (2 Cor 13:5)

I lived my life believing I was a Christian because I prayed the sinner's prayer when I was a child. However, although I called Jesus my Savior--He was not the Lord of my life. Until 3 years ago, He was never my first priority... I pretty much lived my life trying to be moral and "christian" on my own. There was no sustaining joy that comes from living a life in Christ, no strength in the trials, and I lived according to my flesh.
Until I was broken upon the altar, and the full weight of MY SINS came crashing down upon me, I could not grasp the full reality that Jesus went to the cross for me. That MY SINS nailed Him upon that tree. My sins seemed trivial to me--until that day when I realized that my heart was hardened towards the gospel and I had been living my life for me and comparing myself to Christians around me and not to Him.

I would encourage you to pray and seek Him, immerse yourself in the scriptures, read the gospels, throw yourself at His feet until such a change is wrought in your heart that you are broken over your sin and realize that even if He chose to never answer another prayer to your satisfaction and your desires---His grace is enough to sustain you.

In Christ's love,
Jen

[The Mighty Sword]

Sometimes God is quiet.
That's when you seek him diligently.

[firstpeterone]

I remember my mom taking my training wheels off my bike and helping me balance on my bike without them. She was holding tight to the bike so I wouldn't crash. But more and more my mom would be close but let go of the bike a little to see how I did for a brief moment. It's my belief that God know's us, but unless we go through some things, we won't know ourselves and how we are. I don't know if this is a situation like that, but if you can, take note of your faith in God, try to understand where you are in your walk with Christ, assess your strengths and weaknesses and praise God for His grace and mercy.

[Scubadude]

Sometimes, I think God does let us down. When we want or expect him to work on our behalf, he exerts his independance and answeres "My grace is enough for you."

[blessedmommyuv3]

Sometimes, I think God does let us down. When we want or expect him to work on our behalf, he exerts his independance and answeres "My grace is enough for you."

I have to respectfully and wholeheartedly disagree.
This is an extremely small and human centered view of God. God is sovereign and He is holy. Our sins serve to separate us from him, until He acts on our hearts to soften them and turn them from stone. We deserve his wrath. It is only by his loving grace and mercy that we are saved at all. And that came at the highest price possible, the death of His son on the cross. Without Christ's atoning sacrifice, we would burn in the lake of fire for eternity. And you know what, we would deserve it too.
God does not let us down. We let ourselves down by refusing to pray according to His will, we fail to act according to His will, we fail to live according to His perfect will.
He has promised to never leave us or forsake us, and His grace is sufficient. We must just cling to Him and allow Him to carry us through life's storms.

[Scubadude]

I have to respectfully and wholeheartedly disagree.
This is an extremely small and human centered view of God. God is sovereign and He is holy. Our sins serve to separate us from him, until He acts on our hearts to soften them and turn them from stone. We deserve his wrath. It is only by his loving grace and mercy that we are saved at all. And that came at the highest price possible, the death of His son on the cross. Without Christ's atoning sacrifice, we would burn in the lake of fire for eternity. And you know what, we would deserve it too.
God does not let us down. We let ourselves down by refusing to pray according to His will, we fail to act according to His will, we fail to live according to His perfect will.
He has promised to never leave us or forsake us, and His grace is sufficient. We must just cling to Him and allow Him to carry us through life's storms.

Hi, blessed!

I don't understand why you think this is a small, human centered view of God. I was aluding to Paul praying that God would take away his thorn in the flesh. God is extreemly independant from you and me. He is Holy. He keeps his own counsel. Sometimes, when we think God ought to be acting in a certain way on our behalf, he doesn't, because he's God.

If you want to teach someone to use their own mind to figure something out, you wouldn't answer all their questions. That doesn't imply He has left us, or forsaken us. It just means He knows what we need, and sometimes that is silence. I think it is in Is. 50:10-11..... Let you who beleive in God, who has no light and walk in darkness, trust in the name of the Lord. Very rough paraphase. The idea is that God never promised that every issue in life will be clear and filled with light. Trust is what is nessesary. Especially when He is silent. Just because he isn't talking to use the way we expect, doesn't meen he isn't watching with love.

[blessedmommyuv3]

Sometimes, I think God does let us down."

Scubadude,
This is the sentence that I was in disagreement with.
As I previously asserted, I do not believe God ever lets us down, that would be a mischaracterization of God. I do agree that we may feel as if God has let us down, but that would be human perception and contrary to His true nature.

But that having been said, I agree with what you just said.

[Scubadude]

As I previously asserted, I do not believe God ever lets us down, that would be a mischaracterization of God. I do agree that we may feel as if God has let us down, but that would be human perception and contrary to His true nature.



I don't believe it is contrary to God's nature to "let us down". We aren't talking about OSAS, or his omnipotence. The OP is one womans perspective of how God is relating to her. I think I can relate. God does disappoint us when we are requiring him to behave the way we want him to. He doesn't take his que from us or our needs.

Of course it is a human perception. We are talking about humans feeling like God is not engaging us the way we want. Very important desire, wanting God to speak to us. I just think the reason we think he isn't talking to us is because we are wanting one form of communication, and he gives us another. He's very independent. The silence forces us to listen differently. That whole "God answers prayer in 3 ways...yes, no, and not now.... very deceptive concept. The creator of communication is much more conversational than that. He just speaks every language ever made, and sometimes we need to learn the language he is speaking. Loneliness for his presents can motivate us to search him out in new ways, or it can leave us shaking our fist at heaven. Relationship is always on his terms.

[Moxie]

Just a reminder:

We need to keep comments related to the original poster. I can move your discussion to Bible Chat if you'd like.

Moxie

[Momof5]

Just a reminder:

We need to keep comments related to the original poster. I can move your discussion to Bible Chat if you'd like.

Moxie

I think the point has been clarified and from what I see you are on the same page, no?:)

Remember, this is not a debate forum...there are appropriate forums for that.

[Scubadude]

I think the point has been clarified and from what I see you are on the same page, no?:)

Remember, this is not a debate forum...there are appropriate forums for that.


Sorry. I thought I was just clarifying what I said. Sometimes my point is clear as mud, so I have to say it differently. :wave:

[blessedmommyuv3]

I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to debate or derail.

[SeekingWisdom]

Then I realized I wasn't getting anything in return - which made me feel guilty because love for God should be unconditional (not expecting something in return).

But despite the guilt, I felt like I just wasn't getting the reward and I slowly grew out of that phase.



I think God has abandoned me. People say, "no He hasn't because our Bible says so" but where is the proof in the pan? I've cried out to Him numerous times and nothing....

What's the point then? Is He selective with whom and when He helps?

The problem isn't that God doesn't help, the problem is that we humans have to change our expectations. It's a hard thing to wrap our minds around but God didn't promise that we'd have an easy life. We weren't promised to always feel good, upbeat, and cheery.

God can and will help....but probably not in the ways you expect. You could see X as a problem whereas God could see it as something to build character for His glory. You can say, "if you would just do this, then my life would be better", but you don't know that and you don't know His will.

So what are you supposed to do when you feel lost, hopeless, and just plain confused about why things are the way they are?

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

And as for what you get in return....

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.

Rebuke the devil because he will exploit your feelings and cling to Jesus.

[Ryan R]

Dear ChristianLady,

I hope this helps you see things the way I do. Jesus lived his life without sin, resisting temptation, only to suffer and die for you, and he'd have done it for you alone. Amazing love, how can it be...!?! And to what end? For your eternal salvation. The key here is eternal! I'm not being facetious at all when I say that's a very long time.

We have to endure for such a very short time here and then Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! All of eternity in the arms of the Almighty, All Knowing, All Loving God of heaven and earth! Never to want for anything, pure, unadulterated joy and fellowship, no death, no guilt, no struggle, no pain! Joint heirs with Christ! No human fiction could ever have rivaled such a wonderful hope! Rejoice in the Lord always! We have such cause for rejoicing and with that joy comes the compulsion to spend our lives sharing it with others. What else could matter? What reason is there to strive for anything else? When we die we will not be able to take anything with us, not money, not our houses, not our skills, nothing... Except people! If we minister we can let them know and if we live with love we can let them see that there is a glory beyond the horizon. If we die to ourselve then we truely live indeed!

I don't know what you are going through in particular, but the apostles considered it a blessing to be beaten, persecuted, scorned, and martyred to the greater glory of our King. Keep your eyes fixed on heavenly things and remember:

3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, 4 for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 5 Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
6 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 7 for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, 9 for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me.
10 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
12 "You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lamp stand, where it gives light to all in the house.
16 Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

Also, please, please, please, please, please, please don't charge God foolishly. Don't invite a harsh lesson in humility. God can and will deliver one. Look at Job. He lost everything. He had more reason to grieve that anyone I know. When he charged God, God answered and Job trembled.

"It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebrews 10:31).

And finally, God is the giver of ALL good gifts. You have nothing good that isn't from him, and nothing bad that you've received was from him. "If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Matt 7:10). We must count our blessings daily and thank the Lord for them.

God bless you.

[karenoka27]

You have received some good encouragement here.
Someone already shared the verse that I was thinking of as I read what you are going through.

Mathew 6:19-20-"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."

I am saying this very gently. I think you and many today are a victim of our culture. We think we deserve something. We live in a "it's all about me" world today.
Jesus Christ did not teach us that when He came to this earth.
John the Baptist said:John 3:30-"He must increase,I must decrease." This goes against everything we are being taught today.

Read about Paul. It never seems like things are going his way..and yet he said, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14) He understood Matthew 6:19-20.

I know it can be discouraging. But there are blessings in every single day, sometimes we need to just look for them. Don't look for the big things, the little things have such beauty and there is a lot.

Praying for you...:hug:

[miepie]

I don't believe in "deserving" anything from God either......

I am almost 44, and I have been sick all my life...... my worst disease came when I was 12, although they diagnosed me for that 20 years later...... I have been bedridden for about 10 years and can't walk even longer....... I am depending on girls of Assisted living for washing/dressing and depending on everything else done by my husband. Being on the bed, I can't reach anything, so everytime I want something for instance to drink or eat, he has to get it or fix it for me...... I get out of the house once a week for shopping, and if I do something extra, which hardly happens, like going to the hospital, I pay for that for a week or 2/3 with extra pain...... most days I wear braces on my arms and leg and then cannot do much but lay on my back......... in the evening when they go off again, I am usually hanging out here on the site to find fellowship that I miss so much because I can't go to church physically..... we only go there at Christmas, because it takes me 2/3 weeks to recover from that and sometimes even longer.......

Now there have been people in my life, even here on the site, that have said that I "deserve" to be healed and that there was something wrong with my faith because I didn't heal....... I think they are dead wrong...... I do not, I repeat: not, deserve to be healed..... I think Daddy's got me right where He wants me...... I am having a lot of pain but I am honoured to suffer for Him...... the way I suffer is incomparable to the pain He endured on the Cross for me....... so I feel privileged in a way.......
Furthermore He is using me in several ways, on here as a mod, in "real" life as having a Ministry of sending out cards to people who need them, and encourage as many people as I can on here and in real life......
He has blessed me greatly when He answered my prayers for a man who would love me and would take care of me and I am eternally grateful for that...... so instead of healing me, He gave me someone to take care of me...... and I wouldn't feel so blessed today without my hubby...... we both love God more than we love each other.....

I used to believe that God let me down, until I came to see why He didn't heal me....... a little inside look He gave me and now I am content with my life...... and feel very blessed in spite of my disabled body.......

Love you,
Mieke :kiss:

[Scubadude]

Sometimes I think God does laugh at us. Not with contempt, but like a parent might see their child attempt something that they have been told they are not old enough to do, yet. Seeing my neice sit in my car, acting like she is driving is very cute. When she doesn't know I'm watching, she uses the turn signal, yels at other drivers, and tells the "kids" in the back seat to quiet down.

[Elijah's Mantle]

I'll try hard to see things the way you do. I know my family does love me. I just feel rejected by God from time to time.

I've often felt the rejection of others who were suposed to be Christian or at least said they were ,but had really bad ways :eek: finally when I got to a place i could not take it anymore :cry: I confronted openly and angrily and was rejected for doing it :cry: It made me feel like I either had to go along with wrong and compromise which was to me worse than disobedience :o :cry: but when I stood up against the wrong I got really wronged :cry: so I began to feel like I could not believe the unbelievable way some so called Holy spirit filled ((some not all)) act and was in real life so I decided I could not compromise so I did not ,it got nasty verbally :eek: and so I pray that God will see that peer presure did not influence me more than his word and promises and I can not be rejected cause I would not compromise and I stood up against the wrong I witnessed and heard , but I was rejected by those people for doing it :cry: and hope that God won't be that way , which I don't feel rejected by God , I just feel :confused confused as to why some things happened :confused

[AlissonMorgan]

Number one: Count your blessings and not others. If you count other's blessing, you will surely feel what you feel because there will always be someone who's better off than you do and there are certainly those who do worse than you do... I mean think about third world countries and Somalia or Africa. To help you get that feeling, praise songs in your quiet times can boost up your spiritual inner strength as I know it has for me always.

[Skipscan]

CL, how do you know what The Lord has in store for you? With 6 billion people crying out to him everyday, we are in no position to judge him. We would have trouble answering a hundred questions. I won't even begin to imagine what 6 billion cries for help is like. Why do we so often blame him when things aren't going our way?

[Major]

I tried focusing on others and doing what I thought God wanted me to do. I did this for about 3-4 years, volunteering, telling others about Him, sacrificing for others.

Then I realized I wasn't getting anything in return - which made me feel guilty because love for God should be unconditional (not expecting something in return).

But despite the guilt, I felt like I just wasn't getting the reward and I slowly grew out of that phase.

What exactly are you looking for in God?
What do you want from God?
Why do you say that Volunteeering, and telling others about him is a phase?

If we feel God has to prove something to us, we missed the mark. God owes us nothing, we owe him everything. It shouldn't be a scarifice to serve God, it should be a privalage. I have a ministry with children who have cancer, I have watched children die, I have prayed, had bibles studies with them, sang songs for them. If I looked at this from a human side I wouldn't do this for a million dollars. However I see this as a privalge. I don't even see it as I am serving God. I don't want any recognition, I don't want any medals, I don't want anything from God. He has blessed me enough to be around children who suffer more then anyone on this site. I don't have to do this, I want to do it. If you are looking to please God in doing certain things, good luck. That is not what God wants from any of us. He wants our hearts, not have an attitude of saying "Hey God look what I am doing for you, now where is my reward"
I feel you might have the wrong motive. If you involve yourself from your heart you will understand what God is all about. He wants our hearts, not our work. Maybe you just never saw the blessings, or rewards as you put it. We can't do the Lords work expecting anything from him. He has given us everything, he saved us from eternal damnation, that should be enough. I don't mean to sound harsh, but look deeper into your heart and stop thnking God owes you something special.

[Moxie]

This thread is now closed.