I’m really struggling

[Anonymous]

I am a believer and Christian, with a side of hippy “the universe will find a way”. I am generally positive, treat people with kindness, and try to be a good person. And I am blessed with a lovely family, safe home and generally I am healthy. But it just feels like everything is a struggle to the maximum degree and I’m tired and questioning why it always has to be so hard. I came from deep abuse and poverty and fought my way to this place. When can I just put it down and it will be ok? I just need something to go right. Nothing ever comes easy, every single thing is a battle, and right now it’s especially hard and honestly unfair. Part of me knows it will get better, but the other part is so, so exhausted. I’m going through a very difficult thing right now in my life (kid-related) and I’m just feeling…alone? Do you ever feel like this? If so, how do you deal? And I would be grateful for any and all prayers you can send my way as we work through this time. Thank you in advance for any advice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a believer and Christian, with a side of hippy “the universe will find a way”. I am generally positive, treat people with kindness, and try to be a good person. And I am blessed with a lovely family, safe home and generally I am healthy. But it just feels like everything is a struggle to the maximum degree and I’m tired and questioning why it always has to be so hard. I came from deep abuse and poverty and fought my way to this place. When can I just put it down and it will be ok? I just need something to go right. Nothing ever comes easy, every single thing is a battle, and right now it’s especially hard and honestly unfair. Part of me knows it will get better, but the other part is so, so exhausted. I’m going through a very difficult thing right now in my life (kid-related) and I’m just feeling…alone? Do you ever feel like this? If so, how do you deal? And I would be grateful for any and all prayers you can send my way as we work through this time. Thank you in advance for any advice.

Concentrate on the bolded.

[Anonymous]

Have you read the Book of Job?

[Anonymous]

I'm very religious and I take antidepressants. Think about it.

[Anonymous]

Talking with an Iraqi friend, also a Christian, he just said matter-of-factly: "Oh, there is no justice in this life." This is true for many, which is why, as the saying goes: If you believe in justice, then you have to believe in an after-life.

I'm sorry things are so difficult right now. As Christians, this is one reason we look forward hopefully to the "life of the world to come" as the creed says.

Meanwhile, in this life, God causes the sun to rise on both the righteous and the unrighteous (Mt. 5).

[Anonymous]

You need to find the positives instead of the negatives.

example

You wake up every morning. You are a miracle.
You have family. You are blessed.
You aren't going hungry. Many are.
You have a home. Some don't.
You are loved. You are lucky.

It's the little things that will get you through the rough spots. Leave your past in the past. Only look forward and make that path your goal.
Smile. Be silly. Play with your kids more.
Life can be beautiful if you stop to see that beauty.
Some days are truly God days. You just have to remember to thank him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm very religious and I take antidepressants. Think about it.

My husband is a pastor and takes antidepressants!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you read the Book of Job?

Really? You think God is deliberately screwing with OP to test her faith?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Talking with an Iraqi friend, also a Christian, he just said matter-of-factly: "Oh, there is no justice in this life." This is true for many, which is why, as the saying goes: If you believe in justice, then you have to believe in an after-life.

I'm sorry things are so difficult right now. As Christians, this is one reason we look forward hopefully to the "life of the world to come" as the creed says.

Meanwhile, in this life, God causes the sun to rise on both the righteous and the unrighteous (Mt. 5).

If you believe in redemption through faith, then you don't really believe in justice in the afterlife either

[Anonymous]

I am sorry to hear you are struggling. I will pray for you.

[Anonymous]

Hand it over to God. Tell Him it's become too much for you.

God always, always, always answers my pleas... but generally not immediately. There may be a reason for this struggle that you are not aware of, or some sense of perspective you need to gain.

[Anonymous]

Jesus taught that in this world, we will always have trouble (John 16:33-These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.)

And Paul says that we enter into the kingdom of God through the tribulations of this world (Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Talking with an Iraqi friend, also a Christian, he just said matter-of-factly: "Oh, there is no justice in this life." This is true for many, which is why, as the saying goes: If you believe in justice, then you have to believe in an after-life.

I'm sorry things are so difficult right now. As Christians, this is one reason we look forward hopefully to the "life of the world to come" as the creed says.

Meanwhile, in this life, God causes the sun to rise on both the righteous and the unrighteous (Mt. 5).

If you believe in redemption through faith, then you don't really believe in justice in the afterlife either

You should not be telling other posters what they “really “ don’t believe in, and invalidating their beliefs plus taking the threat off topic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you read the Book of Job?

Really? You think God is deliberately screwing with OP to test her faith?

This is the same God that asked Abraham to kill his son and burn him as offering in a test of faith. So yes, that's exactly what many Christians believe. God gives them adversity to toughen up their spirit.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry OP. I hope whatever difficulty you are facing will pass. A few thoughts that have helped me through tough times.

First, you have to believe that God allows everything to happen for a reason, for the good of you and those around you. This is so so basic and you should ask yourself if you really believe this. I had a traumatic medical episode years ago and I was so mad at God and felt so confused and betrayed. I felt like I have done everything by the books in my life and this is how I'm rewarded. In the end though, when I put aside my anger (because the anger wasn't exactly helping), I realized that the event made me more sure of God's existence. Because the alternative, that there is no God and it's all random, meant that all my suffering and the suffering of everyone who has suffered, were meaningless. It meant that life was just a cosmic joke, with us finding joy and love only to have it all inevitably snatched away. Say what you will about wishful thinking, but I did not want to live in the second universe.

Once you get over the first hump, you have to then truly believe that God will not give you more than you can bear. It's a logical outflow of the first paragraph but is hard to internalize. It's important to note that God will help you bear your REAL burdens, not perceived ones. Many people are weighed down by the past, or worry over the future. The past is past and the future is imaginary. God doesn't help you bear your imaginary burdens. So focus on the present, on today. Take it one day at a time. Ask God each morning for the strength to do what needs to get done today. Tell God each night that you tried your best and give the rest of the burden back to him.

Third, start cultivating mindfulness. Meditate. Focus on the present and your senses. Traditional Buddhism is a great source for mindfulness practice. This will help with detachment and both paragraphs above.

Good luck!