Need Help...

Hi all... I'm Lily

I've been posting in a few forums in case some people only stay in one or two... apologies if this seems like spam, but I feel I want to start my journey right away...

Below is from my other post:

"I need help. I'm not of the faith, wasn't raised up in it. But I always wondered about God. Used to pray, but never felt answered, or even heard... When I got older, I started wondering if it was because I only asked of him (forgiveness, help, love) without ever learning of him.
I'm entering a new chapter in my life at the lowest point I've been, and all I can think to turn to is God. At the end he's all that's left. I want to know more about him. To love him. Truly I know nothing.
Please, any information, pointers, experiences, or advice you have for a lost soul in a troubling time are appreciated... specific passages... battles with depression, anxiety, self image, abuse, addiction, sin... old memories... the moment you started thinking of Him first."

"If anyone my age or near has time to develop a pen-pal of sorts... understands what I'm going through... sympathizes with being an outsider here wanting to come in...
PLEASE contact. Please PM"

Apologies again

Thank you very much for all...

Your words touch my heart. Thank you for keeping it real. Your words brought to my remembrance this song. Please consider listening. It is so good.


And this...
"Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her.
Hosea 2:14 ESV

I understand anxiety, depression, guilt, addiction, insecurity, heartache and loss all to well. I have found so much relief in Him.

He gives us an identity that is beyond ourselves, it has immeasurable value and is eternal.

I am so encouraged that you are coming to realize He is the way, the truth and the life.

Please call out to Him. He loves you so much. Open the word. I believe the book of John is a great place to start.

I will add you to my prayers. You are precious, buy never so precious as when you are in the arms of the most precious of all....The One who created you.

Off the top of my head, I'd recommend the God story movie and / or the Jesus film. Both dated and a bit cheesy but good overviews of the story of the Bible and the life of Jesus.

Found the first bit of the God's story film here :
Looks like the whole audio file (in archaic real player format) is avialable for download at https://www.gods-story.org/soundclips.htm

Jesus film (and some related christian living films) available for free download at https://www.jesusfilm.org/watch.html

Those are some good overview materials and feel free to post in this thread or a new one any questions that come up while watching them.

As for real life resources, Alpha ( https://alphausa.org/about ) is a really well known one that's designed as a beginner / non-believer intro study. And don't be afraid to visit churches and when you find one you like and would feel comfortable talking to the pastor or one of the leaders set up a time to meet with them and ask a lot of questions. Fair warning though, it can be difficult for many of us to realize how enculturated to our christian world we become so ask lots of questions when something is confusing because we probably don't realize that some ideas we're really used to are confusing.

You can not quit an addiction or bad habit by figuring anything out in your head. You simply make the decision strongly in your heart to change. And the only way to do that is to find something you love. And the only way to do that is to let something into your heart. Its ok to love yourself. And its ok to love the heavenly father. And its ok to love people. Its ok to love life. It doesnt hurt. Its your heart that hurts itself. Thats why you hurt yourself physically, not others.

You have to realize you are your heart and mind and not what others believe, and forgive yourself lf what you were. You deserve a good life and your mind is the only thing stopping you, so give yourself a second chance. Everybody deserves it. You can wake up and be a new person anyday if you choose to.

God bless Lily I have such struggles as well

Hi Lily. I felt so sad reading your post. I'm sorry you are so down at the moment.
I work in health care and do alot of counselling with people of all ages. Though I'm not a Christian as such (I'm unbaptised), I have met & studied with people from different religions. It's all so confusing that people believe different things in different religions. So, I personally believe that for one you can talk to your God yourself. You don't need a set script or 'special' words. Just open your heart to Him and tell Him exactly how you feel - even if you're angry or confused or ranting nonsense. Be open and honest. Don't several religions or the bible say that God/Jesus knows what's in your heart before you ask for it?
I too have never felt the presence of God or Jesus. I have been told different things by different religions - that I'm not praying hard enough, that God will not reveal himself to me (you just have to 'believe'), but I always thought I'd feel something, or be filled with the saving Spirit. Others have told me it happened to them. Maybe it's because I wasn't raised religious or I don't know enough about the teachings of Him - I don't know.
All I know is that you can find help here and it is always better to ask than to struggle alone. So do that, and also continue praying - that's what I do. I'm sure it is better to do that than be alone with your own thoughts & depression. Isolating yourself will only compound your problems, ie: people think there is no 'solution/s', and their problems become bigger than they really are.
I can PM you later if you wish.
I hope you have a good night.
Cheers

@Tasha33 Being baptized is not a requirement for salvation. It is actually only for After salvation.

Praying for you Lily.
What do you know about a man called Jesus? I recommend you find out, cos once you really meet with Him you'll find out who God is.

Do you have a copy of the Holy Bible anywhere? You say you opening a new chapter...thats good. The Bible is all about new chapters. Start reading...this is how one lost soul found their way.