Having a hard time still believing there is a God.

[CryingRose94]

I have been raised in church all my life, but with my dad abandoning me and being homeless for a while, and my brother betraying my family, the last 7 years have been really hard on me, and I've wanted to and have attempted suicide several times, and I often fantasize about death. And to me it looks like the God of the bible is not so much of a God I would want to even bother with serving, and living with my step father who is a pastor it seems like all I've had to deal with the past several years is not the kind of life a loving god would provide for someone. I am very confused on my beliefs but I have to make my own choice and I am not sure on which way to go, I guess I need a very pronounced sign that if there is a God, he loves me even with them bits of myself I can not help. I would like to know of some other people around my age going through the same things.

 

[Helloimandrewyo]

I went through a lot of the same stuff around your age. Still struggle with some of those issues.

Most important thing i would say is to study. Keeps your mind off the things around you, and deepens your knowledge and understanding of God.

 

[shemaiah]

Christianity is a personal relationship you develop with God. It does not depend on what people say or do but on your own relationship with God. And you can have that relationship if you choose to let go of all control and cry out with all your heart. James 4:8 says, Draw near to God and he will draw near to you...
You can not base your faith on other people's character the same way you can not say you know a person through another person. There are many christians who have not let God change them or work in them, and you tell by the fruits they bear. If you want a relationship with God just reach out and cry out to Him with all your heart. God bless

 

[rainacorn]

Romans 5:1-5 "Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

 

[CryingRose94]

I know all that, but I can not even make myself pray anymore because I feel stupid for talking to something that may not even be there. I have not completly cut off the idea of there being a God, it is just hard for me to really see him, not only in my life but people I know who try with all there heart to please God. My mom and dad think I am going through spiritual warfare...funny, that has been the topic at the youth group I go to for several weeks, and of what Joyce Meyer was talking about on TBN this morning...anyways, I'm just very confused! And how can you trust what the bible says, when we have no REAL proof of when it was written or that it was in fact written by the people it claims to have been written by?

 

[shemaiah]

It seems you are looking for the spiritual with your five senses instead of your faith, let go of your doubt open your heart and believe.

 

[Saul_Durian]

I know all that, but I can not even make myself pray anymore because I feel stupid for talking to something that may not even be there. I have not completly cut off the idea of there being a God, it is just hard for me to really see him, not only in my life but people I know who try with all there heart to please God. My mom and dad think I am going through spiritual warfare...funny, that has been the topic at the youth group I go to for several weeks, and of what Joyce Meyer was talking about on TBN this morning...anyways, I'm just very confused! And how can you trust what the bible says, when we have no REAL proof of when it was written or that it was in fact written by the people it claims to have been written by?

I am probably going to catch some heat for this. But I suggest...take a break. I personally don't believe in the bible either. But take a break. Center yourself. This is a rough time in a persons life. You will find your road.

 

[Dogma]

I agree, take some time for some self-reflection. Seek answers within yourself instead of taking other's opinions as truth or life guidance.

 

[Kyouken]

Take the Word of God as infallible. The only way to do that is by faith. Find out who you are in Christ, and just focus on God.

Also, a spiritual law for you:

Whatever someone sows, they reap. They reap more than they sow, and they reap longer than they sow.

Luke 6:38 - "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."
Galatians 6:7 - "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
I'm pretty sure those two cover it. At least, in a basic sense. I myself don't have a great understanding of it. If you watch, though, you'll see this in action in your life, and the lives of others. There's a lot to this, though.

Maybe this isn't the greatest example of the infallibility of Scripture, but this happens.

 

[CryingRose94]

I guess I just do not want to waste my time living for something unless I'm sure of its existance.

 

[Saul_Durian]

I guess I just do not want to waste my time living for something unless I'm sure of its existance.

Then take a time out. Live for yourself for awhile. That decision will come to you in time. If you force yourself into a religions structure...when you don't really believe it, it isn't going to do you any good anyway. So take some time, relax.

 

[MaranathaSoonQuick]

alright, break time's over, lets get into some deep topics for all non-believers nothing offensive mind you, rather something eye opening and re assuring...
Without a creator what then is this creation? Christians have believed many years in a God not only a God but the One True God the God of Creation as the bible tells it, this God assuming He's real from a Christian's perspective is one who deserves the title of God if you don't notice His presence it's probably because you never really believed in the first place so things are hard to see when you can't believe, do you notice your soul is not visible to the eye but is the very essence of your being? without that life would be dead so an attempt in suicide is just murder in the eyes of God, you want to stay in that body and receive the Blessed privilege of knowing your God,.. but you see also that mankind is not Good nor Godly is anyone; who are we to say God is without his prophets writing the scriptures now a days handed to us? and even more so the evil of man is enticed by the deceivingly appearing "wonderful" temptation of satan, Christians have seen many like you and some have even witnessed the same situations and understandings.Moreover this devil was a liar from the beginning, believing this it makes perfect sense to see all this destruction taking part in society now and before. if sin equals death and this sinful world is dead there has to be a lot of confusion among those who were given a chance to serve the Lord.when the devil knows he has only a limited time before Jesus Christ comes back to deal with all creation. thus he brings false religions and false prophets/preachers/teachers alike. besides the fact if you look at what the bible has prophesied and see how it reflects with what's going on in the world today and pay close attention as the future unfolds. ah and a tip...For one to understand scriptures one must be taught the mystery of the Gospel through the Holy Spirit, guiding your spirit along, and for one to obtain that you must be a believing born again Christian! =) this is spiritual matter no you can not see it but you do however see what it's effects are in life around us. Thank you for your time, and effort of reading.
I hope this explains a few things it's all true, with witness and self assurance.

 

[Dogma]

While I was in high school I was in a very similar position as yours. I spent a lot of time learning and researching about other religions, and it gave me this revitalized grand perspective on human culture, the various roles of religion in human society, and the power & diversity of the imagination. While at the same time I was studying other religions, I was also scrutinizing my beliefs. It occurred to me that I was binding myself to a dogmatic system and adhering to doctrines without knowing about the religion much at all. Sure, I had read the bible a few times in church; but I had never taken the time to actually read it objectively; nor did I know the history of how it was made/ collaborated. I spent a great deal of time researching Christianity, and after a few years I realized that I just did not believe in it anymore (though I still believed in a God). That being said, when I shed my religion I did not feel like I had lost anything of value. In fact, I felt from then after that I was living a more rewarding, and self-fulling life. I really came to love learning about religions, and it was this initial doubt which has led me to becoming a PHD student in religious studies.

The point is, religion is not for everyone. Some are profoundly attached to it, others are not. Some people are dependent on it, others are not. You do not need to believe in a religion to live a fulfilling life; All you need is to believe in yourself. Like Saul said, take some time for some self-reflection. Others cannot tell you what you do or do not need to believe in in order to be happy - that is entirely up to you.

 

[Saul_Durian]

alright, break time's over, lets get into some deep topics for all non-believers nothing offensive mind you, rather something eye opening and re assuring...
Without a creator what then is this creation? Christians have believed many years in a God not only a God but the One True God the God of Creation as the bible tells it, this God assuming He's real from a Christian's perspective is one who deserves the title of God if you don't notice His presence it's probably because you never really believed in the first place so things are hard to see when you can't believe, do you notice your soul is not visible to the eye but is the very essence of your being? without that life would be dead so an attempt in suicide is just murder in the eyes of God, you want to stay in that body and receive the Blessed privilege of knowing your God,.. but you see also that mankind is not Good nor Godly is anyone; who are we to say God is without his prophets writing the scriptures now a days handed to us? and even more so the evil of man is enticed by the deceivingly appearing "wonderful" temptation of satan, Christians have seen many like you and some have even witnessed the same situations and understandings.Moreover this devil was a liar from the beginning, believing this it makes perfect sense to see all this destruction taking part in society now and before. if sin equals death and this sinful world is dead there has to be a lot of confusion among those who were given a chance to serve the Lord.when the devil knows he has only a limited time before Jesus Christ comes back to deal with all creation. thus he brings false religions and false prophets/preachers/teachers alike. besides the fact if you look at what the bible has prophesied and see how it reflects with what's going on in the world today and pay close attention as the future unfolds. ah and a tip...For one to understand scriptures one must be taught the mystery of the Gospel through the Holy Spirit, guiding your spirit along, and for one to obtain that you must be a believing born again Christian! =) this is spiritual matter no you can not see it but you do however see what it's effects are in life around us. Thank you for your time, and effort of reading.
I hope this explains a few things it's all true, with witness and self assurance.

I really don't mean to sound like a jerk. But I am going to assume that this is part of the problem. Telling her break time is over and then stuffing religion right back down her throat isn't going to help. Just let her work on this. Let her grow on her own.

 

[MaranathaSoonQuick]

oh no worries bro, just like any scripture and Jesus himself my words can be easily rejected

 

[MaranathaSoonQuick]

the above information is for one who is searching and willing, if you're in a neutral relaxation period however don't bother agitating yourself

 

[Saul_Durian]

the above information is for one who is searching and willing, if you're in a neutral relaxation period however don't bother agitating yourself

I'm not on a break lol. I made my decisions a long time ago. But I did take that break. And it helped alot more then just pushing though. And i was honestly trying to stay away from the "preachy" stuff. She was raised with it, I am sure she has heard. Now she needs to reflect.

 

[Kyouken]

I guess I just do not want to waste my time living for something unless I'm sure of its existance.

God may not be someone you can touch like a physical human being, but He's there.

I don't always feel happy, and I don't always feel loved, but sometimes, feelings don't mean jack.

Hebrews 13:5 - "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

I don't always feel like God is there, but just knowing this, I get by.
Part of understanding Scripture is taking and believing it to be absolute truth. This is easier said than done, of course, and judging by your position, this may take a lot of willpower.

It is pointless to live for something that doesn't exist. I'll give you that.

Perhaps you should take a step back. Maybe mull all of this over with God Himself, too. Pray to Him, and ask Him to clear all of this confusion. You might be surprised at what happens.

Good luck!

 

[Seraphotic]

I just wanted to get my two cents in haha

Cent1: if Christianity was just another religion, I'd rather be atheist, but it's not, it's about having a relationship with someone who loves me comppetely

Cent2: God doesn't give you everything on a silver platter, your in a situation like David was in, everything goes south and you don't know what to do! But like David, god is no trying to test you, he wants to prepare you; make you stronger. Life won't always be easy, and there'll be times when you wanna give in, but believe me, and I'm speaking from experience, if you love and trust in god, lay all your problems to him, actually cry it out if you have to, he'll always be behind you, he'll always be there to make sure you get every blessing he has for you and your life. God bless you.

May I suggest listening to the song "Look Away" by thousand foot krutch, I've found that most people of our generation are greatly affected by music, that song WILL help, praying for ya! ^^

 

[rainacorn]

I guess I just do not want to waste my time living for something unless I'm sure of its existance.

Why? Are you being harmed by trying to live a good life? Is loving your fellow man, being humble and faithful and abiding by the laws of God making your life worse somehow?