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What's it all about? - 8/2/2008 3:39:48 PM
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Concerto
Posts: 217
Joined: 10/20/2006
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We understand the theology...
We've listened to many sermons...
We're sure that we have been regenerated...
And yet...
We look at the world and wonder, or at least I do. I seem to get in an Ecclesiastes type mood. I suppose I am looking at the world too much, and not setting my mind on things above. Plus, I have severe health issues. I seem to be able to grasp how brief our earthly life is.
Translation: I get bummed out. I go to church and can feel that I am just part of well-oiled process of going through the motions...I listen to the pastor speak of church members who are sick or have passed away and I feel helpless to somehow change these things. I have not really felt love from those around me, and yet, I think, how can I love others?
I look at the news and the political arena and am disgusted by unceasing lies and half truths. But recently, the pastor said something that hit me like a ton of bricks: we all need to resign from being the manager of the planet. I cannot save the world. I see a world that is sinking like a ship. I also see a church that appears apathetic toward this, having chased after financial prosperity and embraced ungodly life styles.
I feel helpless. With severe health issues at the age of 41, sin in my heart which can be reduced but never eliminated until I am glorified. I seek refuge in hobbies..classical piano listening, reading Christian books on theology or Christian living, watching the Andy Griffith Show for some comic relief.
Perhaps you would say that I suffer from depression. But, alas, that would be too easy. I seem to survey the world and consequently seek to echo the words of the preacher that all is vanity.
I don't know. I have this "fix the world and my own life" type of mentality. And then, I sense pride creeping in.
I wish to provide the best life for my wife and child and yet, seem indecisive or unsure how I can accomplish this.
Do you ever sense that you are sort of playing a part in a play or something? I think I am ranting...
C
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RE: What's it all about? - 8/2/2008 5:03:40 PM
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mvic
Posts: 1294
Joined: 1/17/2008
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No ... you're not ranting. You're telling us how you feel. And that is good. You have good reason to feel as you do with your health being what it is.
I will not insult your intelligence with platitudes you may have heard many times before.
For what it's worth I'll say that I'm praying for you. I'm praying that God understands what you are telling us and that He may help you through the periods when you feel this way, as well as when you feel more cheerful.
And the little advice I give is: as best you can make good memories for yourself and your family. Even the smallest thing you can do together will help ... like a walk together somewhere nice, or staying in at home as a family doing something together, whatever it is that you enjoy doing as a family ... do it as often as you can. Build up a savings account of "Quality Time". That's the greatest gift you can give yourself and your loved ones.
May God bless you and yours always.
_____________________________
Christian words of comfort at http://www.holyvisions.co.uk
Welcome to my Blog
MEI VITA INDICO CHRISTUS
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RE: What's it all about? - 8/2/2008 5:29:57 PM
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NightJay0044
Posts: 74
Joined: 5/17/2006
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Hi, sorry to hear about it your hard time. Well, We can't fix the world, only God can do that.
Place your hope in God, his grace is suffecient for us.
Here is a passage from God;
2 Corinthians 1:7-11
And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death.
But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us.
On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. (NIV)
As long as you have hope in God and hope just in general, don't give up, you can make it. Have faith; faith is the substance of things hoped for.
You've made it this, you can make it the rest of the way. I hope this helps, God bless.
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RE: What's it all about? - 8/3/2008 2:09:44 AM
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BibleL7
Posts: 493
Joined: 2/1/2008
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Well the main thing to remember from Eccl is that it is best to fear the Lord and find joy in our work we are given. Also remember that was before we were forgiven by Jesus. We cant change the world we can only change the way we look at things and occasionally make differences in others lives. We can go to church for the purpose of praise and worship. Pray for and show others we care. Tell others about the Lord at work or gatherings. Pray for government and friends and family, be sure you teach your family about the Lord. Pray for the strength of the Lord to help us through. When you are able to help a brother or sister in the Lord then do so and thank the Lord for the blessing. Yes we are only here for a while and we may not feel we are doing much but there is joy in helping someone with a problem even if it is just giving advice from experience. Many times we get treated like dirt or are just dismissed but then we serve an awesome Lord worthy to be praised and if we can share a bit of joy with another then we are blessed.
There is a song called 'The Solid Rock' which starts with the line 'My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus love and righteousness' It can be found in most hymnals. If you read the words and sing that song you see that we need to Hope only in Him and do our best to follow His teachings and help others to learn of Him. For a person who has been depressed most of my adult life singing praises and worship songs can help a lot. It helps me to remember that when He is done with me here I have eternity to spend with Him and will have none of this worlds hurts or problems.
BTW I usually enjoyed reading Eccl as it lets me know that I dont have to try everything to find joy but fear the Lord and worship Him it has given me much comfort at times.
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