How do I enjoy this life?

As a Christian eternity starts now. The world has a lot of evil in it, but actually God is in charge of everything including the devil. That can be hard to take in, but it also means his power is very great when there is a need.

There is joy in the simple. And joy in the unseen. When you take in the joy and love of God then you feel it as well. People today are conditioned to distractions, and the distractions cause discontentment. So be mindful during the day, not just on autopilot. Pick something up and focus on your senses. Be present in the moment. Participate in the simple, like visiting the elderly, volunteering, etc.

It's okay to daydream as well. Find some an amazing Christian music and let your mind follow it. I like Sons of Korah best bc they are psalms. Picture yourself moving in it...it is a dream you control. Think of such things as you fall asleep.

At night you can explore where you want. You could fly, control the weather, create things, etc. You could have lucid dreams if you desired. You could also talk to God and hear him.

During the day you can achieve a higher purpose. Think about what God wants you to do and pray for it.

When you pray for something, understand that God REALLY hears you and is ready to answer your prayer because he sees you as his child. Be thankful for his unconditional love and understanding.

Practice these things over and over. Then you will have joy.

Like 10:20 - rejoice that your name is written in heaven

Therefore, happiness is not sin

Infact, happiness is pleasing to God as well

I am experiencing these feelings. I feel like I can't plan anything in this life because others will think I'm not being serious with my walk in Christ because I'm planning for this life. For example, extra study to get a better job. Last time I did a course I felt judged because people look at me as some perfect Christian that is sold out for Jesus and nothing in this world will ever shake me. It's exhausting. I'm not perfect and I don't like people looking up to me as if I'm some perfect example of being a Christian. I just want to live a life loving God and serving others but when I attempt to do things that will enable me to become better qualified I feel judged and then don't follow through. People around me, speak like it's a sin to own a house, or own a pet or to wear black or go on a holiday.
I don't know if it's people's opinions that are part of the cause you feel this way but I really do hope that everyone else that has answered on here, I hope their answers have helped you. God bless you.

I went to delete my post and I was too late. I just of thought properly before posting that because I didn't actually help you. Sorry about that. I really do hope what others have said helps you. God bless you.

I know how you feel Leah, exactly how you feel. I left Christianity because I went through that too, but maybe you might work though that dilemma

It did help me actually people’s opinions definitely get me down too and it’s nice to know someone else can relate. God bless you!

Oh hon, God doesn’t want you to hate yourself.

He is your Father God, a good Father a God of love.

No good father would tell their children to hate themselves. That would be
child abuse. Imagine the problems with self esteem, confidence, low morale,
anxiety etc it would cause, if your earthy father expected you to hate yourself and
your life.

If an earthly father loves his children and wants what’s best for them and is concerned
about their well being, how much more does our Heavenly Father want to take care
of us and want the best for us.

I think you have got certain verses out of context and misunderstood their meaning.

John 12:24-26 NKJV
[24] Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. [25] He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. [26] If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

John 12:24-26 NLT
[24] I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels-a plentiful harvest of new lives. [25] Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. [26] Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.


To put this into perspective. Non Christians love this life, they put all their hope
in this life, they want to live and experience everything about this life, get rich, be
successful. They have no hope and no future, many don’t even believe in heaven and
hell. They don’t live by Godly rules and principles, they believe in self sufficiency.
Many don’t care who they trample on or hurt. They are full of self righteousness
and focus on human rights. They make up rules as they go along and change them when it
suits them. It’s why one minute homosexuality is wrong then its right. It’s why sex
outside of marriege is wrong then suddenly it’s right. It’s why cheating is wrong, then
suddenly fiddling taxes is right etc. The non Christians lives life according to each
person’s own idea of what right and wrong is. With no regard to God or eternity.

By contrast the born again Christian is in a relationship with God, we have a hope and
a future. They more we see of sin, destruction, lack of justice, the world going to pot.
The more we long for a better life, to see God’s justice, to see a His Holyness. To see His
justice. We have different standards and different ways to discern what is right or wrong.
We know we have been bought with a price. We long for freedom in Christ.
We are no longer lost and alone, nor are we unaccountable. We are held to a higher
accountability and have a different way of living. We cling to the promises of God and
have a Heavenly Father who cares and who we can turn to.

I would add that the rewards are great both in this world and the next for the born
again Christian. Quite honestly I don’t know how non Christians even get through life
without God in their lives. They are completely at the mercy of sinful people and a
corrupt society around them. Whereas the Christian is a subject of the King of King’s
whose mercies are new every morning.

Thank you. That helped a lot. I guess I meant hate my sinful flesh because no one is perfect until he or she gets to heaven. I know God loves me very much but I think he is just putting me through a difficult time right now to come out stronger. I am just too aware that this world is run by the devil and he will continue to torment people until he is destroyed finally. And some people that don’t believe have it easier because the devil has completely blinded them and they have succumbed to this world and just living for this world rather than eternity. Although I do understand God is sovereign over the devil as well. I just don’t understand why things are getting so difficult since I became a Christian about 3 years ago. I read the Bible and pray all day every day but it’s still a battle. I guess maybe I’m just more aware of all of the evil in this world. Even on these boards it seems people want to one up others more than really help them and be caring. It’s like everyone just wants to prove how much they know about the Bible and God but knowledge is nothing of you aren’t loving towards others. It’s not you in particular but just has been my experience since I’ve been here

If the dish is dirty

You know that the dirt is not the identity of the dish

Hate the dirt, not the dish

i have no idea what you mean by that to be honest lol I mean I get it but how does it pertain

Never mind I get it now. Sorry thanks

this is why, 'the heart of the wise is in the house of mourning' - Ecclesiastes 7:4
to have said that, it means you have some wisdom & understanding. which is a good & wonderful thing

just so you know, you don't have to feel bad, about being sad

We all struggle to understand, we don't know everything

Thank you that really means a lot. I appreciate it ❤️

What is it like to become a butterfly?

Sorry I said what I said about this message board. I’m very grateful for everything everyone has said to me. I guess I just feel like I should be joyful as a Christian and I’m still not. I want to always be rejoicing but I don’t know how to do that. All I know is that I will never turn away from Jesus

Let's see, cozy in cocoon, having a really good night rest, everything feels good, wake up, break out of cocoon, and be a butterfly

https://christianchat.com/prayer-requests/praying-without-ceasing-with-the-prince-of-peace.185149/

You can click on the blue

you don't have to be sorry for being real

((at least not on my account -- i'd never hold that against anyone))

i'm glad you did