Sarah Young Devotionals (I believe this has been discussed before, but...)

[Gojira]

...I did not pay very close attention to it, and now I can't find the threads.

Back in... 2014 I believe it was, one of her devotionals was "talking" to me. What I mean by that is, after I prayed for the night, I'd open one of her books, and every other day or so I'd get not one sentence, but a paragraph in response to something I had prayed about. It started to get to the point where I began to say, "Okay, what am I going to hear today?" And, lo and behold, there was another "response".

This went on for about 2 or so months until I had to put her books down. Why? The overall message of her devotionals seems to be, "This life's going to suck. But, hold on to Me, and console yourself knowing that relief will come with an eternity in MY presence!" And, I seemed to be reprimanded more than once as well. What's wrong with that?

Well, here's my dilemma. These messages became very heavy to keep reading. They gave no hope for this life. The prospect of (possibly) another 30+ years on this earth, with no relief from the things I deeply want relief from (a crappy, unfulfilling work life, loneliness -- no friends / buddies here in Arizona, and no prospects at all for a wife and a holy sex life), is not relieved a whole lot by the prospect that it may take several more decades to end my need / desire for such things.

I have not learned to be totally content in God despite circumstances. I am praying for that. But, even as I do, and even as I try to thank Him for the circumstances out of which He promised to bring good, I still battle with my desires for those aforementioned things.

The reason this is getting to me is because I recently picked up one of her devotionals again. I've been reading it each night for a few months. I thought that maybe God might have been displeased with my putting them down in the first place, and so I thought I'd try again. The result has not been the same sense of "talking" to me, but that same message of hope for the next life, with little mention of any for this life, persists. I've punched the book once, slammed it another, grieved for the lack of hope and the end of my simple dreams more than once.

What do you think? I'm an idolater, yes? Yet, I cannot get past it. I cannot make myself see this life the way God seems to want me to see it. And, I remain sad and depressed because there does not seem to be any message of hope that my circumstances will change, and the spiritual progress I seek is very slow in coming as well.

 

[Lynx]

On the one hand, the Bible does say that if we only have hope in this life we are the most miserable people in the world. Our hope is in the world to come.

On the other hand the Bible does talk a lot about being content, and coveting is breaking the tenth commandment.

I have found a lot of wisdom in proverbs. Lord please don't make me either rich or poor. Please make sure I have what I need when I need it.

 

[Lynx]

The only other thing I can think of is, if I get tangled up with wanting something real bad, I have found the best cure for that is to figure out why I want it. Usually it's a fairly pointless reason, and when I realize why I want something I have a good laugh at myself and get on with my life.

 

[Lynx]

But yeah, if that's what Sarah Young devotionals are really like, then I categorically disagree with that. There's plenty in this life to enjoy. Seafood alone covers a whole category, not to mention fruit and various nuts. Then there's a cat purring in your lap, a dog playing fetch...

 

[Gideon300]

...I did not pay very close attention to it, and now I can't find the threads.

Back in... 2014 I believe it was, one of her devotionals was "talking" to me. What I mean by that is, after I prayed for the night, I'd open one of her books, and every other day or so I'd get not one sentence, but a paragraph in response to something I had prayed about. It started to get to the point where I began to say, "Okay, what am I going to hear today?" And, lo and behold, there was another "response".

This went on for about 2 or so months until I had to put her books down. Why? The overall message of her devotionals seems to be, "This life's going to suck. But, hold on to Me, and console yourself knowing that relief will come with an eternity in MY presence!" And, I seemed to be reprimanded more than once as well. What's wrong with that?

Well, here's my dilemma. These messages became very heavy to keep reading. They gave no hope for this life. The prospect of (possibly) another 30+ years on this earth, with no relief from the things I deeply want relief from (a crappy, unfulfilling work life, loneliness -- no friends / buddies here in Arizona, and no prospects at all for a wife and a holy sex life), is not relieved a whole lot by the prospect that it may take several more decades to end my need / desire for such things.

I have not learned to be totally content in God despite circumstances. I am praying for that. But, even as I do, and even as I try to thank Him for the circumstances out of which He promised to bring good, I still battle with my desires for those aforementioned things.

The reason this is getting to me is because I recently picked up one of her devotionals again. I've been reading it each night for a few months. I thought that maybe God might have been displeased with my putting them down in the first place, and so I thought I'd try again. The result has not been the same sense of "talking" to me, but that same message of hope for the next life, with little mention of any for this life, persists. I've punched the book once, slammed it another, grieved for the lack of hope and the end of my simple dreams more than once.

What do you think? I'm an idolater, yes? Yet, I cannot get past it. I cannot make myself see this life the way God seems to want me to see it. And, I remain sad and depressed because there does not seem to be any message of hope that my circumstances will change, and the spiritual progress I seek is very slow in coming as well.

Focus on Jesus and what he has already secured for you. Read the first two chapters of Ephesians. Write down everything that God says that you are in Christ. Salvation is for this life. Read Luke 4:18 and see what Jesus' will is for you. Hebrews says, "Looking to Jesus..........." That is hard when life is not what we want it to be. So quit fussing about the "light and momentary afflictions" and seek God's kingdom first. Kingdom living is victory over circumstances. When you rejoice in your salvation when things are not easy, two things happen. You delight the heart of God because you are showing that you trust Him. You frustrate the devil because the evil he sends your way has driven you closer to God. Forget devotionals unless they are focused on the victory of Christ. For now, God's Word should be your spiritual food.

Those who are born again have new life in Christ. Christ is our life now. There is no problem that Jesus cannot resolve and no trial that He cannot endure. Ask God to open your eyes. You need the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation.

Does this work in practice? Yes. I was sick with pancreatitis. It's a miserable and extremely painful condition. I was in hospital for 8 days. During that time, I was able to witness to a doctor. I was playing Christian music on my phone whenever I was awake. Two nurses told me that they cheered up as as a result (it was during COVID, staff were masked and uncomfortable). One doctor told me that I was not taking the illness seriously. I had two drips, twice daily blood tests and twice daily warfarin injections. I was a little doped from pain relief but I got little sleep. Hospitals are hardly ever quiet.

I was at peace the whole time. I got two doctors and a male nurse laughing. After a few days, my now wife came to visit. COVID restrictions were harsh. She prayed for me, out loud, while the doctor I witnessed to was there. The doctor testified that my wife's prayer was answered to the letter. The operation I was supposed to have was put on hold and I've told them not to bother.

God does not always save us from situations. He will carry us through. He promised never to leave us or forsake us. Look up and live!

 

[Cameron143]

...I did not pay very close attention to it, and now I can't find the threads.

Back in... 2014 I believe it was, one of her devotionals was "talking" to me. What I mean by that is, after I prayed for the night, I'd open one of her books, and every other day or so I'd get not one sentence, but a paragraph in response to something I had prayed about. It started to get to the point where I began to say, "Okay, what am I going to hear today?" And, lo and behold, there was another "response".

This went on for about 2 or so months until I had to put her books down. Why? The overall message of her devotionals seems to be, "This life's going to suck. But, hold on to Me, and console yourself knowing that relief will come with an eternity in MY presence!" And, I seemed to be reprimanded more than once as well. What's wrong with that?

Well, here's my dilemma. These messages became very heavy to keep reading. They gave no hope for this life. The prospect of (possibly) another 30+ years on this earth, with no relief from the things I deeply want relief from (a crappy, unfulfilling work life, loneliness -- no friends / buddies here in Arizona, and no prospects at all for a wife and a holy sex life), is not relieved a whole lot by the prospect that it may take several more decades to end my need / desire for such things.

I have not learned to be totally content in God despite circumstances. I am praying for that. But, even as I do, and even as I try to thank Him for the circumstances out of which He promised to bring good, I still battle with my desires for those aforementioned things.

The reason this is getting to me is because I recently picked up one of her devotionals again. I've been reading it each night for a few months. I thought that maybe God might have been displeased with my putting them down in the first place, and so I thought I'd try again. The result has not been the same sense of "talking" to me, but that same message of hope for the next life, with little mention of any for this life, persists. I've punched the book once, slammed it another, grieved for the lack of hope and the end of my simple dreams more than once.

What do you think? I'm an idolater, yes? Yet, I cannot get past it. I cannot make myself see this life the way God seems to want me to see it. And, I remain sad and depressed because there does not seem to be any message of hope that my circumstances will change, and the spiritual progress I seek is very slow in coming as well.

If you don't mind some advice....
Ecclesiastes is a good read read for you right now. Solomon was in a similar situation as you in regards to his mindset. He, too, was wanting to figure some things out about life. He was looking for meaning and happiness. So he tried everything. He looked for joy in the pursuit of commerce. Everything he tried was hugely successful. No joy. He tried to find meaning in relationships. 700 wives and 300 concubines later...you guessed it...no joy. So he tried to find meaning in merriment. A lot of hangovers later...still...no meaning or joy. No amount of financial success, relational entanglements, or pleasure produced that which his soul desired most...peace and joy.

What did he learn? What is the conclusion of the matter? Ecclesiastes 12:13...Fear God and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
At first glance this conclusion doesn't seem to offer much hope. Duty seems like drudgery in the absence of connection. But that's actually the point. As one preacher put it...If life under the sun doesn't connect to life over the sun, you got no life, son. What was he saying? Life is meaningless without a real and vital connection to God.

As a personal aside...I don't think you could have written and shared what you have here a short time ago. I've been on the site for nearly 2 years and I think you have matured much in the Lord. I know you have experienced difficulty but the bitterness seems to have assuaged and the things in life appeal to you far less. You are earnestly seeking satisfaction in God, although you have only found it fleetingly to this point. But you will find Him because all that has befallen you has taught you to seek Him with your whole heart.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

I don't know if this thread will be of help, but it might be worth reading.
All my life, I've heard people recommend devotionals. I have yet to see growth from any of them . I think setting a goal for the new year to read the KJV Bible from cover to cover will be best. There are all kinds of charts online that make it easy to keep track of your progress. Depending on your reading speed it will probably total 15-20 minutes per day.

Bible as Textbook

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Daily Devotions

 

[Gojira]

Solomon also said that man should derive joy and satisfaction from his work -- actually putting it over his pursuits of pleasure and other things.

I also, in all transparency, have to say, Cameron, that I still want those things in life very badly. I think what might be different is that I'm more mindful of seeking God for a deeper relationship.

 

[Gojira]

I don't know if this thread will be of help, but it might be worth reading.
All my life, I've heard people recommend devotionals. I have yet to see growth from any of them . I think setting a goal for the new year to read the KJV Bible from cover to cover will be best. There are all kinds of charts online that make it easy to keep track of your progress. Depending on your reading speed it will probably total 15-20 minutes per day.

Bible as Textbook

Thanks bro-ness. I do have a Bible-reading routine.

 

[Gojira]

The thing I'm noticing is that it seems most of the opinions I'm being given align with the message of her books. Am I wrong?

 

[ResidentAlien]

...I did not pay very close attention to it, and now I can't find the threads.

Back in... 2014 I believe it was, one of her devotionals was "talking" to me. What I mean by that is, after I prayed for the night, I'd open one of her books, and every other day or so I'd get not one sentence, but a paragraph in response to something I had prayed about. It started to get to the point where I began to say, "Okay, what am I going to hear today?" And, lo and behold, there was another "response".

This went on for about 2 or so months until I had to put her books down. Why? The overall message of her devotionals seems to be, "This life's going to suck. But, hold on to Me, and console yourself knowing that relief will come with an eternity in MY presence!" And, I seemed to be reprimanded more than once as well. What's wrong with that?

Well, here's my dilemma. These messages became very heavy to keep reading. They gave no hope for this life. The prospect of (possibly) another 30+ years on this earth, with no relief from the things I deeply want relief from (a crappy, unfulfilling work life, loneliness -- no friends / buddies here in Arizona, and no prospects at all for a wife and a holy sex life), is not relieved a whole lot by the prospect that it may take several more decades to end my need / desire for such things.

I have not learned to be totally content in God despite circumstances. I am praying for that. But, even as I do, and even as I try to thank Him for the circumstances out of which He promised to bring good, I still battle with my desires for those aforementioned things.

The reason this is getting to me is because I recently picked up one of her devotionals again. I've been reading it each night for a few months. I thought that maybe God might have been displeased with my putting them down in the first place, and so I thought I'd try again. The result has not been the same sense of "talking" to me, but that same message of hope for the next life, with little mention of any for this life, persists. I've punched the book once, slammed it another, grieved for the lack of hope and the end of my simple dreams more than once.

What do you think? I'm an idolater, yes? Yet, I cannot get past it. I cannot make myself see this life the way God seems to want me to see it. And, I remain sad and depressed because there does not seem to be any message of hope that my circumstances will change, and the spiritual progress I seek is very slow in coming as well.

Don't take this the wrong way, but you seem to be caught in the trap of magical thinking. Unfortunately this happens to a lot of people and doesn't make you a bad person. Sarah Young has become the amulet you turn to for a magical solution to your perceived unhappiness. Her writings don't satisfy, but you still return to them over an over. The solution is to align your thinking to your reality. Try to see the difference between what you think is possible and what is actually possible for you.

 

[Lynx]

Don't take this the wrong way, but you seem to be caught in the trap of magical thinking. Unfortunately this happens to a lot of people and doesn't make you a bad person. Sarah Young has become the amulet you turn to for a magical solution to your perceived unhappiness. Her writings don't satisfy, but you still return to them over an over. The solution is to align your thinking to your reality. Try to see the difference between what you think is possible and what is actually possible for you.

Material magic
Got a spell on me
One more time

 

[ThyKingdomComeSoon]

...I did not pay very close attention to it, and now I can't find the threads.

Back in... 2014 I believe it was, one of her devotionals was "talking" to me. What I mean by that is, after I prayed for the night, I'd open one of her books, and every other day or so I'd get not one sentence, but a paragraph in response to something I had prayed about. It started to get to the point where I began to say, "Okay, what am I going to hear today?" And, lo and behold, there was another "response".

This went on for about 2 or so months until I had to put her books down. Why? The overall message of her devotionals seems to be, "This life's going to suck. But, hold on to Me, and console yourself knowing that relief will come with an eternity in MY presence!" And, I seemed to be reprimanded more than once as well. What's wrong with that?

Well, here's my dilemma. These messages became very heavy to keep reading. They gave no hope for this life. The prospect of (possibly) another 30+ years on this earth, with no relief from the things I deeply want relief from (a crappy, unfulfilling work life, loneliness -- no friends / buddies here in Arizona, and no prospects at all for a wife and a holy sex life), is not relieved a whole lot by the prospect that it may take several more decades to end my need / desire for such things.

I have not learned to be totally content in God despite circumstances. I am praying for that. But, even as I do, and even as I try to thank Him for the circumstances out of which He promised to bring good, I still battle with my desires for those aforementioned things.

The reason this is getting to me is because I recently picked up one of her devotionals again. I've been reading it each night for a few months. I thought that maybe God might have been displeased with my putting them down in the first place, and so I thought I'd try again. The result has not been the same sense of "talking" to me, but that same message of hope for the next life, with little mention of any for this life, persists. I've punched the book once, slammed it another, grieved for the lack of hope and the end of my simple dreams more than once.

What do you think? I'm an idolater, yes? Yet, I cannot get past it. I cannot make myself see this life the way God seems to want me to see it. And, I remain sad and depressed because there does not seem to be any message of hope that my circumstances will change, and the spiritual progress I seek is very slow in coming as well.

Why do you read these things, The bible is not enough?

2Pe 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.
2Pe 1:4 Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
2Pe 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge;
2Pe 1:6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;
2Pe 1:7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
2Pe 1:8 For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2Pe 1:9 But whoever lacks these traits is nearsighted to the point of blindness, having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
2Pe 1:10 Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble,
2Pe 1:11 and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2Pe 1:12 Therefore I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you now have.
2Pe 1:13 I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of my body,
2Pe 1:14 because I know that this tent will soon be laid aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.
2Pe 1:15 And I will make every effort to ensure that after my departure, you will be able to recall these things at all times.

Blessings.

 

[notmyown]

The thing I'm noticing is that it seems most of the opinions I'm being given align with the message of her books. Am I wrong?

i've never been a fan of Sarah, and haven't read but a few pages of one book she wrote. but if the message she's giving is, "life is awful but don't worry, you'll die some day", i reject it.

although it's of paramount importance we be content with what we have, God has still given us things to enjoy in this life. they may not be the things we feel will make us truly happy, but if we take stock of our lives, we will see the good God has given us. i think Solomon is a good person to go to in this respect: he does encourage us to enjoy this vapor of a life, while remembering it IS a vapor.

being thankful... enjoying the blessings we have, can make a huge difference to us. as the psalmist says, God is good, and He does good. i believe you will see the many blessings He's given you to enjoy, if you ask Him to show you. it still blows my mind God WANTS to bless His people.

 

[Gojira]

I picked up a devotional because a friend of mine encouraged me to read it. If anyone I know actually hears God, I believe she does. And, interestingly enough, like I said, those books were speaking to me when I first picked them up around 9-10 years ago. (Not so this second time around.)

@ThyKingdomComeSoon Devotionals never were huge enhancers of my spirituality, but occasionally they offered me something to think about. Why listen to sermons? After all, the Word of God's enough, right? See my point?

I am trying to be thankful for the things I do have... and I'm forcing myself to thank God for the negatives -- at least what it is He is doing with them. It does (temporarily) change my attitude a bit.

But... my concern is that the current deserts I'm in will not end until I stop breathing. Approaching 15 years being widowed (April 3rd)... 12 years and 10 months since my last date with a Christian woman (March 2011). The past 7 years have seen wild swings in my work life, so much so that I'm asking God to help me exit the working world now. Add to this I have no friends or buddies here in Arizona (been more >4 years now).

I realize these are not equivalent to being in a North Korean gulag, and I am certainly thankful for that. I'll take my garbage against that any day. But... I would like something worth getting up for every day, too. And, frankly, I don't really have anything other than continually (and unsuccessfully) trying to dig myself out of this hole.

 

[Lynx]

If only Gojira was able to see what I said...

Ah well.

 

[Noel25]

I have felt lonely and depressed lately too. But I try to focus on the good things I have and that always helps. For example, I have my mom, brother and aunts to talk to. I have a few friends but the ones I feel closer to live far away. But still at least I have them. I also have a dog, a bird and a cat. I enjoy walking outside, reading the Bible and eating good food. It makes me feel alive if that makes sense. I recently discovered that I like to run. I only do it on the treadmill for now because I'm starting but it feel so good. I feel like I'm flying when I do it. It's almost like a drug lol but a healthy one.

Do you have anyone you can spend physical time with? Have you tried finding a church? Maybe you should go on a dating app to meet new people. They also have one for making friends too. This world does suck sometimes and a lot of the time I feel very anxious and angry about it. But I have to look at the bright side, otherwise I would go crazy. You cannot ruminate on the bad things because it will get you down.

I have tried Jesus Calling and I actually did like it. I got the opposite effect though. It kinda made me excited about life. It made me feel like no matter what happens, it will be okay because God is with me. I also felt encouraged to read the Bible more. So I don't really see it as a bad book.

 

[Gojira]

Do you have anyone you can spend physical time with? Have you tried finding a church? Maybe you should go on a dating app to meet new people. They also have one for making friends too. This world does suck sometimes and a lot of the time I feel very anxious and angry about it. But I have to look at the bright side, otherwise I would go crazy. You cannot ruminate on the bad things because it will get you down.

This is the point... I have few I can physically spend time with. It's usually with the pastors of the church I attend, and it's always a while before something can be arranged... like weeks.

Dating sites SUCK. Been on more than I care to mention here. And, I have a church.

I have tried Jesus Calling and I actually did like it. I got the opposite effect though. It kinda made me excited about life. It made me feel like no matter what happens, it will be okay because God is with me. I also felt encouraged to read the Bible more. So I don't really see it as a bad book.

Well... too many of the messages are about life's crap, and that in those times, we need to hold on to God to give us peace. Then, we're reminded that glory is the end of it all for us. Fine... except that seems to leave little for this life and any relief in it. I've almost finished 'Jesus Lives', and maybe 3 of the entries suggest that things might get better at some point in the here and now. Too many of the rest end in the earlier manner I described. One night I got so sick of this that I pounded the book with my fist several times, almost trying to break it.

 

[notmyown]

I picked up a devotional because a friend of mine encouraged me to read it. If anyone I know actually hears God, I believe she does.

no offense meant toward either you or Mrs. Young. she certainly hears more clearly now. she went to be with the Lord a few months ago, God rest her soul.

i just meant she wasn't my cup of tea. can we be friends?