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feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/15/2009 7:33:16 PM
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m4maggie
Posts: 1197
Joined: 12/11/2008
From: I... AM...CANADIAN!
Status: online
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Hello everyone...
I was just wondering if anyone ever felt spiritually distant before and how did you deal with it? I was at Church this morning with my kids and most times I get right into it.. singing, enjoying fellowship with others, etc.. but today, I just couldn't get into it.. In fact, I didn't even want to go and when I was there, I didn't want to be... not my usual self..
There is an awful amount of stress going on in my life right now and I've put my all into trusting God and believing that there will be a light at the end of this tunnel. It just seems that this tunnel is never ending and I'm getting a tad impatient. I also wonder if maybe I'm missing a message. today and seemingly every time I go to Church there is a lot of talk about mission work and going overseas doing mission work, needing sponsorship etc.. and I'm thinking how many people HERE need mission work in their lives? and how am I supposed to afford tithes for Church AND donate so a team can spend two weeks in the sun? I feel my heart is getting a bit bitter and annoyed with the fact that money is just thrown around so easily and I'm getting my hydro shut off, I've once again lost my job, our whole family has been sick with H1N1 and we can't afford medication or the rent on our home, which means we've got no place to go come December and no chance to look for work.. can't shake this flu..
Am I wrong or bad for wanting to shout at God.. Hey. Hello... you promised that you'd give to whoever asked. I've been asking forever here... begging in fact. I'm not perfect, but aren't you forgetting someone here????
I'm starting to think either I'm not good enough, I'm doing something terribly wrong, or God is one heck of a masochist... coming to the rescue seconds before destruction sets in. I find that mean and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't getting upset about it.
< Message edited by m4maggie -- 11/15/2009 7:45:17 PM >
_____________________________
" I don't question your existence" - God
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RE: feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/15/2009 9:04:17 PM
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jn1010lf
Posts: 497
Joined: 4/20/2005
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Hello m4maggie
I think you need to run to God full force. Surrender yourself totally to Him. Poor your heart out to Him and listen for His response.
In addition, you need to pour yourself through the Bible and take His promises to heart.
You also need to exercise the sacrifice of praise when you go to church. Forget yourself during the time you are there. Worry will not add one bit to your welfare.
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RE: feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/16/2009 12:23:55 AM
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georgerobbyjr
Posts: 39
Joined: 9/2/2006
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quote:
I'm starting to think either I'm not good enough, I'm doing something terribly wrong, or God is one heck of a masochist... coming to the rescue seconds before destruction sets in. I find that mean and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't getting upset about it.
And I thought I was the only christian canadian stuck at home with the h1n1 on this forum! Sorry about the tough times, especially the lost job. Sometimes we go through tough times and we lose perspective. I too have endured some difficult times in my life, in relation to employment, etc. God may seem distant to you and life may even seem a little hopeless. First of all, God is with you and will see you through this. Never mind how you feel, you know as a christian he cares for you and will help you. That kind of thinking, that you're not good enough or you're doing something terribly wrong, is not from God. Nor are your feelings or your negative emotions. If you know the bible to be true, and I bet you do, you know that God cares about you and is certainly not a masochist! When I'm feeling down or discouraged, the best remedy is the bible. A chapter or 2 and my entire mindset changes, or is renewed. Pray for help and patience. These experiences are rarely fun but help to strengthen character.
James 1:2-5 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
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RE: feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/16/2009 1:35:40 PM
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Tarox
Posts: 274
Joined: 2/18/2009
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Hey Maggie
Well, all of my experience with God affirms that He goes the distance, especially when it comes to finances. I don't know how He deals with you, but He floods my wife and I with what we need- at the absolute last conceivable second 
The months before I started university, I really felt convicted to stay out of debt. But the scholarships just weren't there, and I went the summer wondering if I was even going to make it in the fall. A last minute call from a scholarship I hadn't applied for paid my way for all five years.
This summer, graduated, had a part time job that i hated, and an impending wedding... and while I'd saved up, it wasn't gonna cut it. Once again, things looked bad... until family I almost never see gave me thousands to get started on. It lasted until the end of the summer when my part time job wasn't paying enough and I couldn't find anything in my field. I blew a bunch on a long distance trip for a job interview, waited in agony for weeks, got the rejection letter. The next week they called and said "how about you forget that letter? when can you start?"
I'm still not very good at trusting God. But I know, even when I'm not trusting Him too well, that's He's waiting for the last concievable moment to make a dramatic entrance. Like a super hero kicking down the door and bellowing "I'll save you!"
Is it mean of him? I used to think so for sure. But I kind of think it's an opportunity to be free. "Well dude, you see this and you hear my pleas, so it's on you now. I'm just gonna keep doin what I'm doin until then" That was about as healthy a reply as I could muster this summer. Then I'd try to put it out of mind.
He's so damn cheeky! I wanna be mad that He doesn't do things my way, but He's right, and doesn't that just drive you up a wall? At the end of the day, what can you do but love Him? "I get it, You're awesome, now give me a freakin job!"
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RE: feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/17/2009 7:15:30 AM
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mariamaria
Posts: 202
Joined: 2/28/2007
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quote:
ORIGINAL: m4maggie
Hello everyone...
I was just wondering if anyone ever felt spiritually distant before and how did you deal with it? I was at Church this morning with my kids and most times I get right into it.. singing, enjoying fellowship with others, etc.. but today, I just couldn't get into it.. In fact, I didn't even want to go and when I was there, I didn't want to be... not my usual self..
There is an awful amount of stress going on in my life right now and I've put my all into trusting God and believing that there will be a light at the end of this tunnel. It just seems that this tunnel is never ending and I'm getting a tad impatient. I also wonder if maybe I'm missing a message. today and seemingly every time I go to Church there is a lot of talk about mission work and going overseas doing mission work, needing sponsorship etc.. and I'm thinking how many people HERE need mission work in their lives? and how am I supposed to afford tithes for Church AND donate so a team can spend two weeks in the sun? I feel my heart is getting a bit bitter and annoyed with the fact that money is just thrown around so easily and I'm getting my hydro shut off, I've once again lost my job, our whole family has been sick with H1N1 and we can't afford medication or the rent on our home, which means we've got no place to go come December and no chance to look for work.. can't shake this flu..
Am I wrong or bad for wanting to shout at God.. Hey. Hello... you promised that you'd give to whoever asked. I've been asking forever here... begging in fact. I'm not perfect, but aren't you forgetting someone here????
I'm starting to think either I'm not good enough, I'm doing something terribly wrong, or God is one heck of a masochist... coming to the rescue seconds before destruction sets in. I find that mean and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't getting upset about it.
I can totally understand what you are saying , having been there many times myself..
I have learnt this, I can never be good enough, I can not earn my way into heaven or into God's good books..All of that is a gift, I am not saying you shouldn't try and be a good person and try and do what God wants us to but we should not get bogged down by it, after all knowing God sets us free not make us feel frustrated.
Life can get to any of us and I know that I have at times not felt so close to God, I have even been angry with him. When a person has been praying so long for some thing and nothing happens (if any thing it gets worse) of course you start to wonder, after all we are only human, But that is getting caught up in emotions and that is so easy to get wrapped up in. Logic on the other hand has always told me that I have to hold on in there, that I need to trust God and because of that even if I don't feel like it I continue to pray and read my bible. More often then not this helps me find my spiritual feet again.
I hope this helped
maria..x
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RE: feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/17/2009 11:01:07 AM
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Kat_D
Posts: 1401
Joined: 9/2/2005
From: Where We Shake, Rattle & Roll!
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: m4maggie
Hello everyone...
I was just wondering if anyone ever felt spiritually distant before and how did you deal with it? I was at Church this morning with my kids and most times I get right into it.. singing, enjoying fellowship with others, etc.. but today, I just couldn't get into it.. In fact, I didn't even want to go and when I was there, I didn't want to be... not my usual self..
Are you spiritually distant because you are angry with God because you believe that He is somehow responsible for you getting your water turned off, losing your job, and your family being sick?
I challenge you to look around....and as you look around, notice that many people are in more dire circumstances than yours. They are no longer able to feed their families, have lost their homes and are now homeless, etc. In addition, as you look around, count your blessings. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude in the midst of trials always draws you closer to God. There is always something to thank God for.
quote:
There is an awful amount of stress going on in my life right now and I've put my all into trusting God and believing that there will be a light at the end of this tunnel. It just seems that this tunnel is never ending and I'm getting a tad impatient.
God never promised that this life would be free of hardships.
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." - John 16
However, He did promise that if you keep your eyes on Him, He will give you peace and strength to endure in the midst of your trials:
"3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, For in the Lord, is everlasting strength." -Isaiah 26
You said you have put your trust in God believing that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. I challenge you to put your trust in god even if there is no light at the end of the tunnel. That is true trust.
quote:
I also wonder if maybe I'm missing a message. today and seemingly every time I go to Church there is a lot of talk about mission work and going overseas doing mission work, needing sponsorship etc.. and I'm thinking how many people HERE need mission work in their lives? and how am I supposed to afford tithes for Church AND donate so a team can spend two weeks in the sun?
If you think missions work is enjoying two weeks in the sun, your view is wrong. This missions trip is two weeks of trying to win souls for the kingdom. This life and its troubles are but a vapor and the eternal perspective is so much more important...eternity is forever, and making sure that no one spends it in hell is the priority.
quote:
I feel my heart is getting a bit bitter and annoyed with the fact that money is just thrown around so easily
Again your view is off unless you consider work that would assure a soul everlasting life with God as a waste of money.
quote:
Am I wrong or bad for wanting to shout at God.. Hey. Hello... you promised that you'd give to whoever asked. I've been asking forever here... begging in fact. I'm not perfect, but aren't you forgetting someone here????
I'm starting to think either I'm not good enough, I'm doing something terribly wrong, or God is one heck of a masochist... coming to the rescue seconds before destruction sets in. I find that mean and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't getting upset about it.
I would suggest that you, like many of us at one time or other, have gotten angry with God for what you see as Him slighting you and your needs. As a result you have developed a distorted view of His promises and who He really is. I encourage you to not pull away from Him, but to do more of the things that draw you closer to Him...more fellowship, more reading the Word, more prayer, more concentrating on "whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things."Phillipians 4
You need Him now as never before. Don't grow bitter against God, lest you fall away.
_____________________________
~Kat
"...And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes...no more death, sorrow, nor crying."
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RE: feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/17/2009 12:58:14 PM
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m4maggie
Posts: 1197
Joined: 12/11/2008
From: I... AM...CANADIAN!
Status: online
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You're right Kat.. I think when I wrote this, I was in a not so great mind set and just feeling tired and sorry for myself. I guess like everyone else in this world, you get tired of bad stuff happening and just want a break from it. Bad stuff seems to hit all at once, so it gets to me and I do ask myself and wonder where God is when I'm getting bombarded with day to day junk and get myself into not so great situations. Thankfully, God knows this and always saves me and my family at the last minute, so I should remind myself of this little fact. I think it just hit me the wrong way on sunday when the collection plate went around twice and I couldn't contribute..
But back on topic, my post isn't about missionary work. I know that what these folks are doing is a great thing. It's about feeling distant. I'm not comfortable with the fact that lately, my daily walk with God is more of an effort than I'd like. I'm just not sure what to do about it. I don't ever want my relationship with God to be a "chore"
< Message edited by m4maggie -- 11/17/2009 1:11:53 PM >
_____________________________
" I don't question your existence" - God
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RE: feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/17/2009 1:30:54 PM
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Kat_D
Posts: 1401
Joined: 9/2/2005
From: Where We Shake, Rattle & Roll!
Status: offline
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Maggie, I think the thing to remember is that there are mountain top experiences and their are valley experiences in our walk with the Lord. Life is tough and often times those mountain top experiences seem few and far between especially during times of hardship. Our vision becomes clouded and our view of God becomes dim. It happens to the best of us. The thing to remember is that God never changes. Nothing about your circumstances changes His love for you, His faithfulness to You and His promises for your life. Keep your eyes on Him....He will see you through this and you'll come out of this stronger, with more faith, and more in love with Him than before.
My heart is with you.
_____________________________
~Kat
"...And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes...no more death, sorrow, nor crying."
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RE: feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/17/2009 3:47:58 PM
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deermousie
Posts: 2215
Joined: 9/26/2007
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: m4maggie
But back on topic, my post isn't about missionary work. I know that what these folks are doing is a great thing. It's about feeling distant. I'm not comfortable with the fact that lately, my daily walk with God is more of an effort than I'd like. I'm just not sure what to do about it. I don't ever want my relationship with God to be a "chore"
I'm sorry you're having a tough time, M4Maggie. (((HUgs)))
God lets us go through things to purify the gold and burn off the junk. His hand is still on you and it's going to end well. The key is to rejoice. Sounds crazy, no? Your sin is still forgiven, you're still going to heaven, He is still sanctifying you (even though it hurts sometimes) and He is still working things for good in your life (Rom. 8:28) to make you more like Him (Rom. 8:29). It's His will and your future to be more like Him! Wow! You couldn't be safer.
So make your frightened heart respond faithfully: thank Him. He's going to work this all out somehow. Even at the worst results, He's still holding you. You can lose "stuff" but you won't lose Him.
Let the stuff go if that's what happens. If you lose your place (I hope you don't) then find a brother or sister who will let you camp out at their place, either in a back room or on their couch(es) or actually in a tent in their back yard (yes, I have been willing to do this and really should have). Find a place that gives away free food. See what gov't assistance you can get. Sell something to get some cash. Ask someone to put your stuff in their garage a few months. Ask someone to let you live in their garage a few months.
I've been on the mission field several times, and it consisted of sleeping on a linoleum floor (a folded cardboard box eases the hardness) in a church classroom, eating baloney sandwiches (I strongly dislike baloney. I said "thank you" and ate it), dealing with people who were mad and didn't like me talking to local people, and danger from teenage rowdies who through we looked easy to harrass. And God blessed and saved some people!
We look past the immediate surroundings (they stink) and see the eternal perspective (God rules and is doing something and might even be using us). And we thank God that He is doing something, even though we might not see it. Our very faith and rejoicing is a slap in the devil's face.
So rejoice, dear Sister, ask God to help, thank Him and rejoice that He's doing something, you won't fall anywhere where He doesn't want you to, and it will end well because we end with Him. Then call your church and ask for help and see what the government can do to help if you want. That's what you pay taxes for.
I am praying for you today, dear one: may God bless and rescue you from apparent loss of your things and comfort, may He heal you and give you a better job and maybe a better place to live, and may He reward your rejoicing with a secure heart of faith in Him. Underneath are the everlasting arms.
_____________________________
"Through Gates of Splendor" by Elizabeth Elliot
"Federal Husband" by Doug Wilson
www.biblegateway.com for online concordance (I use it daily)
"Passion and Purity" by Elizabeth Elliot
And I think chickens are really funny
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RE: feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/17/2009 6:15:15 PM
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makarizo
Posts: 2520
Joined: 4/13/2005
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: m4maggie
Hello everyone...
I was just wondering if anyone ever felt spiritually distant before and how did you deal with it?
HI
yes, i went thru a dry spell back in my 20s after breaking up with someone who took advantage of my generosity, spread some viscous gossip about me around, and then sent her 'new' boyfriend after me to try and pick a fight.
I was experiencing hate...... I tried to convince myself that it was all behind me, and all was forgiven, but I continued to carry that hate. The answer was right in front of me, in Ephesians chapter 4 .... Paul tells us not to grieve the Holy Spirit. A lightbulb moment for me. ..... it was the confession that "got me thru it"
_____________________________
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RE: feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/17/2009 7:06:42 PM
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m4maggie
Posts: 1197
Joined: 12/11/2008
From: I... AM...CANADIAN!
Status: online
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Thanks everyone.. on a light note, I did manage to stave off the hydro for one more week until hubby gets his unemployment cheque and we can pay off the balance. So PTL for that for sure.. it's still an uphill battle though.. I'm dealing with hungry children who are growing out of their clothes and I can't afford to feed or clothe them.. so it's at the point where the hubby and I are going without so the girls can eat.Well.. that's not entirely true.. we do live off coffee and eat what the girls leave behind... Plus.. this growth spurt isn't helping! lol.. and I hate to say it, but soup kitchens aren't very good here in our town.. they aren't on a daily basis and the churches who do offer meals, well.. it comes at a cost. that we just don't have.$5.00 a plate doesn't sound expensive.. but it may as well be $50.00 if you don't have the money.
the job search is endless.. and with no call backs, it's very discouraging for sure.. again.. doesn't help that my references are minimal *long story*
gov't resources... a sore spot for us.. it's like this.. because my hubby in on unemployment insurance, *EI*, I am not eligible for any kind of govt' assistance such as Ontario works or welfare.. whatever you want to call it.. And.. because hubby is a *few* years behind on filing his income tax *I"m not.. I'm up to date*, I've lost any kind of family tax credit or "baby bonus" and.. because of this snafu, according to revenue canada, I owe them!! so no baby bonus, my student loans take my income tax refunds, I'm bankrupt, and well.. the rest explains itself. so.. nasty nasty situation.
I've been on hubbys case for filing his taxes, but even if all was said and done.. that takes time.. that we don't have.. OH.... forgot to add. my family hates my hubby, so any help from them means help for me and kids.. and to heck with hubby.. so that's just no good and I can't accept that.
and I should add this little ditty.. IF.. we get to a point where we have no place to go, we have to decide out of three ugly options. One.. hubby and I go homeless.. girls move to a foster home.. Two.. girls and I move home with my folks.. hubby can do whatever.. or three.. girls and I move into a shelter for battered women and risk not being allowed to see hubby/girls dad. There are no such things as family shelters here, so he goes wherever and I fabricate a story to get a roof over my head.. his family can't help with shelter.. I don't know if they can't or wont'. all I know is that it's not an option.
Ok.. I feel like I'm complaining.. I am but I'm not.. more explaining the complexity of the situation and why its' left me feeling this way. I'm just so tired of being at the brink of falling of the cliff of life. Am I mad at God.. No.. more left feeling where are you? why are you doing this?? what am I supposed to be learning here except that this is not fun?! If I get any "stronger" I'll be able to give Samson a run for his money. Is this supposed to be a lesson in perseverance?? if so.. COME ON! isn't growing up with unhealthy parents, poverty, having to go without a lot or having to bust my hump to achieve anything and autistic siblings enough??? Or is this "torture" a precusor to something beyond my wildest dreams? I think.. and I've asked myself this more than once.. Why do I have to be dead in order to gain? When are things finally going to get just a bit easier??? on earth.. in this life?
(footnote... there is no hint of me wanting to inflict damage to myself or family... I'm just asking a question)
My apologies if I sound rash or whiny etc.. hypoglycemic and a rumbly tumbly makes me a bit cranky..
< Message edited by m4maggie -- 11/17/2009 7:30:24 PM >
_____________________________
" I don't question your existence" - God
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RE: feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/17/2009 10:37:29 PM
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minimoe59
Posts: 21
Joined: 10/27/2009
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It's not much of a rescue or a miracle if God meet our needs when they are small. God shows His mercy and love when we at our wits end, when only God can save us. When the children of Israel were in the desert, they praised God when times were good. When times got bad, all they did was complain and say God did not care enough because they were without food and water.
My grandfather has been a missionary in Mexico for over 50 years. I have been told many, many stories about how they received a check in the mail when they had no food, and bills were due. For that check to arrive on the day they needed, God had to work weeks and months before to set the stage for someone to be able to send that check on time. God is always faithful.. He never fails. He did not promise that times would be good, or even easy. He promised our needs would be met. But who are we to tell God what we need. He knows better than we would ever know.
One more thing.... look back over your life and see some of the blessings.... and all the hardships that happened before. Would you ever give up the blessings and not have to go through the hard times. I know I would not. The hard times is what strengthens our faith.
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RE: feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/17/2009 11:50:13 PM
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georgerobbyjr
Posts: 39
Joined: 9/2/2006
Status: offline
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quote:
I'm not comfortable with the fact that lately, my daily walk with God is more of an effort than I'd like. I'm just not sure what to do about it. I don't ever want my relationship with God to be a "chore"
It's easy to feel God is with you when everything goes your way, at that time God seems to care. He always cares. Look at this time as a test and an opportunity to strengthen your faith in God. Maybe staying with your parents for a short time is a good option, at least until you have a paycheck coming in. If your husband can't stay with you perhaps he can stay with his family? These are just short time solution-ideas. Read the book of Job. You may have been through quite a bit already but you're going to have to hang in there. A lesson in perseverance you ask? Who knows, it could be, even if you think you have endured enough. In any event God can hear you and is not indifferent to your situation. Read your bible every night before sleeping, even a chapter or 2, and don't sleep before praying. Take heart knowing that God does care and will provide your needs.
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RE: feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/18/2009 12:10:56 AM
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psalm100
Posts: 474
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: offline
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Maggie,
I am praying for you and your family. I think a majority of christians have gone through a "dry spell". Going through difficult situations can make one spirtually distant. We focus on our problems and not God who is able to help us. If you read my blog (link is @ bottom) you'll read about my struggles. The past couple of weeks have been difficult. However, I sense the Lord telling me to relax and trust Him. I am at peace now more than I was a couple of weeks ago. Trust God. I know it sounds like a cliche. But who nows God may come and resuce you and your family at the 11th hour.
_____________________________
Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye now not what hour your Lord doth come.
my blog
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RE: feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/18/2009 1:50:19 AM
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agapist
Posts: 659
Joined: 6/13/2009
Status: offline
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Feeling distant from God is no less holy than feeling close to God.
Mother Teresa continued at her work in helping others, at great deprivation, despite feeling at a great distance from faith. She recorded her doubts and worries, yet grace continued to move her.
God can remove "the feel" of Himself: what then? What this process usually exposes, if we have the eyes to see, is that we are actually relying more securely on worldly assurances, such as reason, doctrinal traditions, or "feeling" holy than on faith: a total trust in and on God.
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RE: feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/18/2009 5:34:42 AM
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Redjasper
Posts: 340
Status: offline
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quote:
Mother Teresa continued at her work in helping others, at great deprivation, despite feeling at a great distance from faith. She recorded her doubts and worries, yet grace continued to move her.
Awesome example. She actually said that she didn't feel the presence of God and that's some shocking news to hear. I'm praying for this situation to be turned around very soon. HE WILL deliver.
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RE: feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/18/2009 7:43:49 AM
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Noddi
Posts: 9
Joined: 11/10/2009
Status: offline
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Hey M4ggie
Its very normal to feel this way and anything that anyone says here is probably not gonna help. Its something between you and God, that only you two can fix. It sucks but time and choosing to believe God (not the circumstances) will fix it.
You sound incredibly burdened (and rightly so) do you and your husband talk about any of this?
< Message edited by Noddi -- 11/18/2009 7:51:53 AM >
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RE: feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/18/2009 9:48:34 AM
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m4maggie
Posts: 1197
Joined: 12/11/2008
From: I... AM...CANADIAN!
Status: online
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if by talk, you mean fight constantly, then yes.. we talk.
_____________________________
" I don't question your existence" - God
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RE: feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/18/2009 9:58:19 AM
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Noddi
Posts: 9
Joined: 11/10/2009
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I'm so sorry to hear that! That must make the situation even worse:( Is your husband a christian?
Praying for you hon!
< Message edited by Noddi -- 11/18/2009 10:06:39 AM >
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RE: feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/18/2009 10:21:12 AM
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Noddi
Posts: 9
Joined: 11/10/2009
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I imagine every ones advice is not really helpful, as it usually is in really stressful times, but terribly well meaning. However, on the off chance this is, i was wondering: If you and the kids (but not the hubby) staying with ur folks was an option, would your parents take your kids for a little while and you and your husband downsized for a month or two till you get a job/back on your feet, as opposed to the option of foster care and homlessness?
And you dont have to reply on the forus or at all, its quite a personal matter and was just food for thought.
< Message edited by Noddi -- 11/18/2009 10:31:03 AM >
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RE: feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/18/2009 10:23:32 AM
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timbo4
Posts: 11
Joined: 11/11/2009
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Though God is "merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth", there is still an accountability before him.(Ex 34:6, 7) In the paying of taxes, Jesus told the Pharisees: "Pay back Caesar's things to Caesar, but God's things to God."(Matt 22:21) Paul wrote: "Render to all their dues, to him that calls for the tax, the tax."(Rom 13:7) Hence, if one is deficit in their tax responsibility toward the government, then can it be expected that God would provide a blessing ?
To avoid stumbling anyone regarding the paying of head tax, Jesus told Peter: "But that we do not cause them to stumble, you go to the sea, cast a fishhook, and take the first fish coming up and, when you open its mouth, you will find a stater coin. Take that and give it to them for me and you.”(Matt 17:27)
In addition, telling the truth is always necessary, for one cannot "fabricate a story to get a roof over my head." The apostle Paul wrote: "Wherefore, now that you have put away falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor."(Eph 4:25) Therefore, a person has to put in place the doing of God's will, by applying the principles of the Bible first before he will bless anyone.
Solomon, under inspiration, succintly said: "It is the foolishness of an earthling man that distorts his way, and so his heart becomes enraged against Jehovah himself."(Prov 19:3) Because of one's foolish decisions, some have shifted the blame to someone other than themselves, including God, just as Adam did when he said: "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree and so I ate."(Gen 3:12)
Those who follow God's laws and principles are in line for a blessing. A beginning point is what Jesus said at Matthew chapters 5-7, with Jesus saying that those who put spiritual interests first, then "the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them."(Matt 5:3) He further said: "Happy are those hungering and thirsting for righteousness, since they will be filled."(Matt 5:6) A genuine desire to know our Creator is essential if God is bestow a blessing. When this is in place, then God can reach out to assist different ones, though more so in a spiritual way now, for even Jesus as God's "only-begotten Son", suffered.(John 3:16)
Eventually, all the mountain-like problems that are afflicting mankind will be permanently removed. Revelation 21:3-5 gives a preview of perfect conditions that will be on the earth in the future, saying: "With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his peoples. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away. And the One seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new.” Also, he says: “Write, because these words are faithful and true.”
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RE: feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/18/2009 4:11:24 PM
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m4maggie
Posts: 1197
Joined: 12/11/2008
From: I... AM...CANADIAN!
Status: online
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answers to questions. Noddi.. No.. my hubby is not a Christian.. it won't happen.. never will. He has made it painfully clear that it's not even an option for him. That is another topic of serious fights. we are unequally yolked. But in all fairness. I wasn't either when we first met and when we got married. I was saved by the grace and mercy of God about a year and a half ago.
second.. my parents *due to poor health* can't look after the girls alone. They just aren't able to physically, so if they stay with my parents, I stay with my parents.
third.. I'm up to date with my taxes and my debts. I've had to claim bankruptcy and I am faithfully paying my trustee each month so I don't veto myself. Hubby is the one who needs to file for the past four years and.. also needs to file for personal bankruptcy. Our problem right now is keeping up with monthly expenses like heat and hydro etc.. there isn't enough coming in to feed us, and pay bills and rent and car insurance and maintain the car etc.. We pay what we can as we can, but when you don't pay each balance in full.. well.. it adds up. *sigh* it didn't help that this past month the whole family got hit bad with the H1N1 virus. medications are costly!! and prescriptions are completely out of our league. It was OTC as we could afford it.
_____________________________
" I don't question your existence" - God
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RE: feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/18/2009 6:31:06 PM
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Phulish
Posts: 93
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I too have felt the material strain and the emotions that come from it lately. It's called being alive and human in this world. What is all this you mention? Church services and activities, good works, trips, money? All can be very important but it's all just fluff when compared to the depths of God and his beloved. There's nothing wrong with negative emotions and contending with God like some of the great hebrews of old did. Go ahead and belt it out. Things get really interesting when we finally approach God with complete naked and raw honesty. What's the use in going through our pretty little lives pretending everything is or should be nice and planned just like we think it should be? Who are we really and what are we really accomplishing? We need to be transparent and transformed and I pray that everything that can will be shaken in our time, as uncomfortable as that may be for me.
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RE: feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/19/2009 8:47:59 AM
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bravjim
Posts: 176
Joined: 10/8/2008
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quote:
ORIGINAL: m4maggie
Hello everyone...
I was just wondering if anyone ever felt spiritually distant before and how did you deal with it? I was at Church this morning with my kids and most times I get right into it.. singing, enjoying fellowship with others, etc.. but today, I just couldn't get into it.. In fact, I didn't even want to go and when I was there, I didn't want to be... not my usual self..
There is an awful amount of stress going on in my life right now and I've put my all into trusting God and believing that there will be a light at the end of this tunnel. It just seems that this tunnel is never ending and I'm getting a tad impatient. I also wonder if maybe I'm missing a message. today and seemingly every time I go to Church there is a lot of talk about mission work and going overseas doing mission work, needing sponsorship etc.. and I'm thinking how many people HERE need mission work in their lives? and how am I supposed to afford tithes for Church AND donate so a team can spend two weeks in the sun? I feel my heart is getting a bit bitter and annoyed with the fact that money is just thrown around so easily and I'm getting my hydro shut off, I've once again lost my job, our whole family has been sick with H1N1 and we can't afford medication or the rent on our home, which means we've got no place to go come December and no chance to look for work.. can't shake this flu..
Am I wrong or bad for wanting to shout at God.. Hey. Hello... you promised that you'd give to whoever asked. I've been asking forever here... begging in fact. I'm not perfect, but aren't you forgetting someone here????
I'm starting to think either I'm not good enough, I'm doing something terribly wrong, or God is one heck of a masochist... coming to the rescue seconds before destruction sets in. I find that mean and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't getting upset about it.
Hi Maggie:
It's taking me awhile to figure out exactly what to say to you and how to say it because several things came to mind as I read your post. It is difficult to respond because some of what came to mind was harsh at a time when you really do need some compassion. So I will start by saying I'm sorry if some of this does come out a little harsh. When I was first saved, one of the first books that I read was "A Purpose Driven Life". Chapter 1 begins with these words; "It's not about you". See, I told you it might sound harsh, and I am truly sorry for that. Especially when you are going through some really tough times. The answers are not apparent. You do need solutions to your problems. But when I read your post, this is probably the first thing that I noticed was that you were focused on your problems, and not on God Himself. He already has your solutions worked out. But He is trying to get your focus off of you (and your problems) and onto Him.
You pretty much said that you just were not into the worship. Speaking from experience, I can tell you that when God wants us to grow spiritually, He presents us with situations where we feel like doing the exact opposite. If he wants to develop patience, he puts you into a situation that requires patience. If He wants to give you hope, He'll put you in a situation where you feel like there is no hope. If He wants you to come closer, He'll put you in a situation where you feel more distant. Put your focus on Him, lean on Him, trust in Him, and he will deliver you out of all of these circumstances you are worried about. I mean, speaking from experience (again), I often do not feel the connection with God at church that I do at home reading the bible, praying and singing praise. But attending church brings you and me together to praise together with others, so that we know that we are not alone. So, if you had a bad day at church, that is okay. Take the time to give thanks while you are home. Put in your favorite praise CD, and sing out loud. Take the time to pray, giving thanks and praise. You will begin to feel better, and who knows, you might receive some revelation on how to deal with everything. This is an opportunity for you to grow closer to God by leaning on Him in the storm. (I've been thinking about the song Praise You in This Storm the entire time I write this.)
I would have thought by now,
that you would have reached down
and wiped our tears away
step in and save the day
once again, I say amen!
But it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear you whisper throught the rain
"I'm still with you"
and as your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
and takes away
I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
For you are who you are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
you hold in your hands
and though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm
You've put your trust in Him and believe that He will deliver you, and He will. Thank Him, because you know that He will not let you down. He loves you, and is trying to get you to go deeper, make your faith grow deeper, so that you can come even closer to Him. The amazing part is that when He does deliver, it will only reinforce your gratitude and your trust in Him. You will be overflowing with such great joy and hope, that you will be all on fire to get out and serve Him even more. The storm will pass, and He will carry you through it. Just trust it and don't rely on your feelings. God bless, I will be praying for you.
_____________________________
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfilll the lust of the flesh.
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RE: feeling spiritually distant.... is no good.. - 11/19/2009 11:09:36 AM
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mysteryofgospel
Posts: 63
Joined: 8/12/2009
Status: offline
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Maggie,
One of the best things we do as Christians is to lift each other up in Christ and give words of hope.
All the posters here given you wonderful words of encouragement. It is better than gold.
Paul writes in Romans 8:18, "For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope;because the creation itself will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
And David writes in Psalm 39, "Lord, make me to know my end, and the measure of my days. That I may know how frail I am.
v.7 "And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.
You see, we as Christians, have something the world does not have. Hope. We know there is a redemption coming for us. We eagerly wait for it, we groan in trials and tribulations but because of that hope in us, we are a light to the world, the light of Jesus Christ.
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