Christians: How Do I Bring God Back into My Life?

AldaOshin · Jan 2, 2009

[FONT=&quot]I'm a freshman in college, and my first semester is over and done with. I had a very successful first semester - made the Dean's List, have a number of very comfortable and reliable social circles and am still going strong with my boyfriend of two years.

The one aspect of my life that deteriorated considerably is religion. I have had moments of religious epiphanies growing up, but these religious enlightenments were short-lived and I would eventually go back to being the uncaring young woman who simply wore the Catholic label without committing to any of the Catholic practices.

I have never felt this distant from God. I haven't been to church in a good, long while and I don't even pray anymore (mostly because I feel like I've lost all rights to ask God for help or to even speak to Him because I've become such a terrible Catholic). I suppose that I distance myself because of some sins that I've committed in the past, which include, but are not limited to: pre-marital sex, lying, cheating, and Lord knows how many broken commandments.

I just don't know how to bring God back into my life. I've often tried to start by just .. praying, but as soon as I start the guilt from past sins kicks in and I feel as though I've lost the right to speak to Him. Going to church wouldn't help much either, because I feel incomplete without receiving the Eucharist. I'd like to start off the New Year knowing that God is set securely in my life.

Advice?

:help:
[/FONT]

Breathe · Jan 2, 2009

Contemplation, studying, and if you can - prayer and church.

You have not lost the 'rights' to God - after all, God is called 'Father' in Christianity for a reason; he loves you.

Arnack · Jan 2, 2009

AldaOshin said:
[FONT=&quot]I'm a freshman in college, and my first semester is over and done with. I had a very successful first semester - made the Dean's List, have a number of very comfortable and reliable social circles and am still going strong with my boyfriend of two years.

The one aspect of my life that deteriorated considerably is religion. I have had moments of religious epiphanies growing up, but these religious enlightenments were short-lived and I would eventually go back to being the uncaring young woman who simply wore the Catholic label without committing to any of the Catholic practices.

I have never felt this distant from God. I haven't been to church in a good, long while and I don't even pray anymore (mostly because I feel like I've lost all rights to ask God for help or to even speak to Him because I've become such a terrible Catholic). I suppose that I distance myself because of some sins that I've committed in the past, which include, but are not limited to: pre-marital sex, lying, cheating, and Lord knows how many broken commandments.

I just don't know how to bring God back into my life. I've often tried to start by just .. praying, but as soon as I start the guilt from past sins kicks in and I feel as though I've lost the right to speak to Him. Going to church wouldn't help much either, because I feel incomplete without receiving the Eucharist. I'd like to start off the New Year knowing that God is set securely in my life.

Advice?

:help:
[/FONT]

You seem like your doing just fine without "him"

Breathe · Jan 2, 2009

Now now people.

He asked how does he bring God back into his life - obviously s/he wants God back, and I feel that we should try to help if that is what is wanted - I know what it's like trying to get to God and not being able to - I'm there right now. It isn't pleasant at all, and if this is one's suffering, then I will try to help alleviate it if I can.

lunamoth · Jan 2, 2009

AldaOshin said:
[FONT=&quot]I'm a freshman in college, and my first semester is over and done with. I had a very successful first semester - made the Dean's List, have a number of very comfortable and reliable social circles and am still going strong with my boyfriend of two years. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]The one aspect of my life that deteriorated considerably is religion. I have had moments of religious epiphanies growing up, but these religious enlightenments were short-lived and I would eventually go back to being the uncaring young woman who simply wore the Catholic label without committing to any of the Catholic practices. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]I have never felt this distant from God. I haven't been to church in a good, long while and I don't even pray anymore (mostly because I feel like I've lost all rights to ask God for help or to even speak to Him because I've become such a terrible Catholic). I suppose that I distance myself because of some sins that I've committed in the past, which include, but are not limited to: pre-marital sex, lying, cheating, and Lord knows how many broken commandments. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]I just don't know how to bring God back into my life. I've often tried to start by just .. praying, but as soon as I start the guilt from past sins kicks in and I feel as though I've lost the right to speak to Him. Going to church wouldn't help much either, because I feel incomplete without receiving the Eucharist. I'd like to start off the New Year knowing that God is set securely in my life. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Advice?[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]:help:[/FONT]

Go to church. Pray anyway. Go to confession. Don't think about it all too much, and don't judge youself, just do it. As you practice so goes your heart.

life.is.ravishing · Jan 2, 2009

Are there any Christian groups, Christian support groups, prayer groups, etc. on campus? I know when I was struggling with my faith, it was having strong believers there to help me that really got me through. Just having fellowship with other believers can do wonders, without having the "pressure" of church. It can help you ease back into your relationship with God, and hopefully allieve some of the guilt your feeling (which, by the way, you should never have to feel guilty in regards to coming back to God.

).

Good luck!

frg001 · Jan 2, 2009

Odion said:
Now now people. He asked how does he bring God back into his life - obviously s/he wants God back, and I feel that we should try to help if that is what is wanted - I know what it's like trying to get to God and not being able to - I'm there right now. It isn't pleasant at all, and if this is one's suffering, then I will try to help alleviate it if I can.

Why. 1st of all , I assume she is in fact female, as no mention is made of being gay, and 2nd....Surely it is advice she wants, whichever angle iit comes from?

Anyway, my advice for what it's worth...

Perhaps you just need to get rid of the whole idea. It really is easy to be a good person WITHOUT the need of a deity you know. Work toward what you want while thinking of others. Use your own ideas of morality and right and wrong. Don't look for the fallback of any particular religion. I suspect the reason you have fallen back from catholic ideals is because upon closer inspection, they are not particularly righteous.
One thing I found from college is that homosexuals are normal people, and that in fact denying myself things for the sake of it was wrong. Be yourself, think for yourself and find a whole new world of freedom. Freedom to think, freedom to be whoever you want to be, and freedom to do good, unshackled.

I suggest taking some time, some private time to think, preferably to meditate. I have found many answers to tricky moral dilemmas that way, and in every case, no god had anything to do with it, especially one so rigidly taught as by the catholic church.

As for pre-marital sex. It is a piece of paper... I am an unmarried (14 years going strong with my partner) father of a beautiful young boy.

Storm · Jan 2, 2009

Guys, exploiting someone's crisis of faith to promote your own worldviewis more than a little tacky. Please, have a little tact.

frg001 · Jan 2, 2009

Storm said:
Guys, exploiting someone's crisis of faith to promote your own worldviewis more than a little tacky. Please, have a little tact.

Maybe advice would be better than whining? No offence, but different word views are just as important in the grand scheme. It sounds to me she is after advice. Your post is unhelpful at best.

Storm · Jan 2, 2009

Yeah, because proselytization is so helpful. Hey, isn't there a rule against that here?

Father Heathen · Jan 2, 2009

Just a FYI for you all, this is the Christian DIR.

Lindsey-Loo · Jan 2, 2009

...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Romans 3:23-24

You're not alone.

We all mess up, but the fact is, God loves you and He wants you back. I would start by reading my Bible for a few minutes each day and praying aloud and asking His forgiveness. Then the answer for what you need to do beyond that should come.

PureX · Jan 3, 2009

Just keep a quiet place in your day, your heart, and your mind, and God will always be there waiting for you.

As to any past transgressions, you have already been long since forgiven by God. If they continue to bother you, however, I would suggest confessing them to someone, and then making some form of amends for them.

Breathe · Jan 3, 2009

Storm said:
Yeah, because proselytization is so helpful. Hey, isn't there a rule against that here?

Yep. I agree with you on this and the previous post.

I think that to use someone's crisis of faith to forward their own ideology is awful as well as irresponsible and selfish.

It isn't a thread saying "Should I?" but it's "How do I?", after all; and it's in the Christianity section, as opposed to "Debate".

zenzero · Jan 3, 2009

Friend AldaOshin,
Though your post is in the Christianity section would still respond as you have requested for advice.
As a friend shall like to state that the PAST has past, the future unknown, so start in the HERE-NOW by being PRESENT i.e. living in the present and forgetting what you did in the past or what may happen in the future.
Next up start by trying and developing reliable friends who value friendship. Friends with whom you can share may be friends here at RF.
Personally do not find that you have sinned and that you should feel guilty and if at all you feel having done anything wrong it could only be if you have hurt others and not hurt yourself as as feel you have only suffered through few escapades.
When we accept having done any wrong and agree to accept any punishment that comes your way for such wrong doing; that itself is enough to redeem you from those wrong doings.
Regards Religion can surely state that just merely going to church every Sunday does not make one religious as the very root of god realisation or self realisation is the mind and those whose minds are full of thoughts even when at church is far away from god [if any].
When we are all parts of that god then we must remember that god is part of us and when we pray it is not someone outside of us but only talking to that part which is within us. Your posts here itself is a prayer and all prayers always gets answered.
Lastly, just take your time to LIVE the PRESENT moment fully and move to the next moment without carrying any thing of the past.
Love & rgds

Super Universe · Jan 3, 2009

Father's Love Letter

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15
My question isWill you be my child? John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32

Father Heathen · Jan 3, 2009

Since other non-Christians are weighing in I might as well, too. It seems like this girl is coasting on easy street, and the stuff she's feeling guilty about are just trivial and typical of having things happy-go-lucky and carefree. It's hard to sympathize with as I don't see any problem. "Daddy's like totally buying me a new convertible, but I can't like decide on a color. If only Jesus would answer my prayers and help me choooose. Like, omigod!"

tomspug · Jan 3, 2009

AldaOshin said:
[FONT=&quot]I have never felt this distant from God. I haven't been to church in a good, long while and I don't even pray anymore (mostly because I feel like I've lost all rights to ask God for help or to even speak to Him because I've become such a terrible Catholic). I suppose that I distance myself because of some sins that I've committed in the past, which include, but are not limited to: pre-marital sex, lying, cheating, and Lord knows how many broken commandments. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]

There's your problem right there. God never leaves you. He always wants you to call Him "Abba" and reach out to him in times of need. Always. If you can overcome self-loathing and be willing to believe in and accept unconditional love, you'll find God again (and hopefully MORE than "religion").

Heneni · Jan 3, 2009

This is the christianity section of the forum. Im just wondering why the atheists feel they need to give advice?

Heneni

Father Heathen · Jan 3, 2009

Heneni said:
This is the christianity section of the forum. Im just wondering why the atheists feel they need to give advice?

Heneni

We're morally obligated to assist tormented souls during their time of dire hardships.

Christians: How Do I Bring God Back into My Life?

New Member

Hostis humani generis

We are our Own Creation

Hostis humani generis

Will to love

Loving life...

Complex bunch of atoms

ThrUU the Looking Glass

Complex bunch of atoms

ThrUU the Looking Glass

Veteran Member

Steel Magnolia

Veteran Member

Hostis humani generis

Its only a Label

Defender of God

Veteran Member

Absorbant

Miss Independent

Veteran Member