Christian losing faith in God

[Anonymous]

Crying as I type this, I'm a Christian who is losing their faith in God. My life has been nothing but an utter train wreck of abuse as child, life long disease, no family, no kids to help me and for years (like I feel sorry for myself how I told myself it would get better, prayed and prayed and nothing) now I'm thinking this is has been all lies to myself. Things aren't getting better, I don't feel God with me, I don't hear him, I don't get any help from him. I'm losing my faith here which is also making me sad and depressed. I feel utterly alone and in a dark hole I can't get myself out of. I'd like to know what other Christians would say for advice here. I'm at a total loss.

[Anonymous]

I hear you, OP. When I accepted that there was no god, it was actually a relief. Freeing. And liberating to accept that it wasn't me not praying enough, it wasn't me not being good enough, and it wasn't about me, period. It was just life. The cards we're dealt (which unfortunately, are not fair). But it allowed me to take the wheel and try to steer myself to a better life, instead of relying on hope or prayer.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

You don’t provide a lot of information about the particular Christian tradition you’re a part of, whether you’re connected to a community, have a pastor or other spiritual guide available, and so forth.

Lacking that information, which might lead to more concrete suggestions, I’d say this:

The situation you find yourself in is very common. Some people, like one PP, decide to stop believing. Others seek counsel and fellowship, both human and divine, despite the darkness. Catholic tradition recognizes that there are “dark nights” and “purgations” along the way. Other traditions speak of being “tried” or “tested.” Experiencing this can be very difficult and discouraging, but coming out on the other side can be very fulfilling.

The best suggestion I can offer is to not give up, and seek out spiritual fellowship and guidance. You might also consider a health checkup. Finally, I’ll offer something from a Benedictine Abbot that helped me: “I came to the conclusion that it was better for me if I believed than if I didn’t.”

Hoping you find your way soon.

[Anonymous]

Is there a minister or priest you could talk to? You really need some personal spiritual guidance here. I echo PP's comment about this being common, though when we live it ourselves, it feels like we are alone. You could also try reading some books about past saints (I'm speaking from the Catholic tradition). You can find a saint for any situation and it will make you feel less alone. It's important to remember that God did not promise us x,y,z in this life if we follow him, are good, etc. That is the prosperity gospel line of thinking, which is entirely wrong. God promised that He will be an anchor for us in this life and we'll spend eternity with him.

The other part of what could help you is to find meaning in your daily life. You don't need to be achieving great things to live a life meaningful to God. For us, I recommend reading St. Therese of Lisieux's autobiography "Story of a Soul."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Crying as I type this, I'm a Christian who is losing their faith in God. My life has been nothing but an utter train wreck of abuse as child, life long disease, no family, no kids to help me and for years (like I feel sorry for myself how I told myself it would get better, prayed and prayed and nothing) now I'm thinking this is has been all lies to myself. Things aren't getting better, I don't feel God with me, I don't hear him, I don't get any help from him. I'm losing my faith here which is also making me sad and depressed. I feel utterly alone and in a dark hole I can't get myself out of. I'd like to know what other Christians would say for advice here. I'm at a total loss.

You are talking from experience so your reaction is justified. However, not believing makes tough life tougher and you more alone. Explore different congregations even different religions to see if you can find God and your flock. Its not like atheism will go away, you can always come back to your original position but at least you'll know you tried.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Crying as I type this, I'm a Christian who is losing their faith in God. My life has been nothing but an utter train wreck of abuse as child, life long disease, no family, no kids to help me and for years (like I feel sorry for myself how I told myself it would get better, prayed and prayed and nothing) now I'm thinking this is has been all lies to myself. Things aren't getting better, I don't feel God with me, I don't hear him, I don't get any help from him. I'm losing my faith here which is also making me sad and depressed. I feel utterly alone and in a dark hole I can't get myself out of. I'd like to know what other Christians would say for advice here. I'm at a total loss.

May be stop believing in God's goodness but believe in your own. Move your focus from finding solutions for your problems to helping others who are hurting like you or worse. Raising others can raise one in strange ways.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hear you, OP. When I accepted that there was no god, it was actually a relief. Freeing. And liberating to accept that it wasn't me not praying enough, it wasn't me not being good enough, and it wasn't about me, period. It was just life. The cards we're dealt (which unfortunately, are not fair). But it allowed me to take the wheel and try to steer myself to a better life, instead of relying on hope or prayer.

Good luck.

+1. I usually don’t make “atheist” posts because I tend to leave well enough alone for other people, but personally, losing my faith was a relief. It gave me strength to take the reins myself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hear you, OP. When I accepted that there was no god, it was actually a relief. Freeing. And liberating to accept that it wasn't me not praying enough, it wasn't me not being good enough, and it wasn't about me, period. It was just life. The cards we're dealt (which unfortunately, are not fair). But it allowed me to take the wheel and try to steer myself to a better life, instead of relying on hope or prayer.

Good luck.

+1. I usually don’t make “atheist” posts because I tend to leave well enough alone for other people, but personally, losing my faith was a relief. It gave me strength to take the reins myself.

God helps those who help themselves.

[Anonymous]

Lamentations: from the mouth of the Most High does not come, the evils and the good?

Many evils, one good.

[Anonymous]

You have so many burdens. It's good to let the unnecessary ones go. Wishing you the best under your circumstances.

[Anonymous]

Maybe this will help…

https://billygraham.org/audio/agnostic-pastor-drives-christian-pop-singer-to-find-truth/

[Anonymous]

As a fellow Christian. I’ve been there. I’m praying for you. Depression is the worst. The lies we believe when we are depressed are so much more believable when we are wallowing.

May JOY be your strength. May you come out on the other side of this with greater faith knowing that you are LOVED unconditionally.

Start combatting the lies with truth. Not sure what truth is at the moment? Seek and you will find it if you seek with all your heart. He will reveal himself to you all you have to do is ask. Oh but it’s hard to do when you feel like giving up and throwing in the towel. Sometimes that’s exactly what he wants us to do. It’s called surrender. I can’t. He can. I think I’ll let him. Praying for breakthrough for you. Listen to Brian and Katie Torwalt songs. That helped me when I was at my weakest. Worship music helped me when I didn’t have the words or the strength. Hugs!!!!


“When I am weak He is strong.” His grace is sufficient.

[Anonymous]

For the PPs saying losing their faith was a relief, can you explain how? For me, losing faith would mean all my suffering (and suffering of others) is meaningless. And more important, that all the love and joy I experience are equally meaningless, to be snatched away at possibly at moment for no reason, no justice, no point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For the PPs saying losing their faith was a relief, can you explain how? For me, losing faith would mean all my suffering (and suffering of others) is meaningless. And more important, that all the love and joy I experience are equally meaningless, to be snatched away at possibly at moment for no reason, no justice, no point.

I'll answer: Reality is wonderful, and you can spend your time maximizing the value what you know you have and not worrying about afterlife or any other unlikely supernatural thing. It's liberating. And rewarding - you act good because you choose too, which means you ARE good, and not because of fear of eternal retribution. I have many more reasons, but for this thread and your question that should suffice.

What confuses me is how suffering in meaningful? Why would it make more sense that a supreme being was permitting your suffering (when they could change it), rather than the fact that it is simply an unfortunate part of life?

Even more confusing: how would love and joy be meaningless in any context? (Aside from that being logically impossible).

[Anonymous]

If God defines physical laws is God limited by them? If God is not limited (all powerful) then why is there no evidence? I ask this because, I also struggled with these questions. I came accept God is the physical principles - not a 'being' deciding for us like we are ants, just the energy and people have put that into a context they understand. Therefore, that voice that asked for help, the soul that feels the pain is attached to that energy and presence. I say this because you are more than your situation. Recognize your power to change it. You don't need a 'God' to do that. You need to trust yourself that you can.