Apathy

[littleone]

I have asked. Many many many times.

That’s the problem. I’ve tried this for so long unsuccessfully that I don’t have much desire left.

I’ve tried asking for faith.

No, that’s not true. I go into prayer every time thinking this time I’ll actually gain faith. But it never happens.
Sorry I had no right to say that.
I have had a number of discussions asking people how to find out what God is telling me. Nobody has ever been able to give me a good answer.
I know it is nice to hear Godbut sometimes it takes much time. Tell you what, there is a story in the bible Jesus talks about, this old woman who would never give up so the King gave her what she wanted because the king thought “I will be badgered to death if I don’t give her what she wants so I will give it” You could try that, I do if I’m not hearing God and get irate at God.

I don’t know what Jesus has done for me. I only know what people have told me he has done for me.

So if you don’t know what Jesus has done for you then are you saying you have not read the bible or don’t understand (even though you have read the bible) what Jesus has done for you?

You can do it.
Godbless

 

[EmJovial]

Maybe you are trying TOO hard?
I’m not an expert so I don’t know if that is any help to you or not. Sometimes when you are praying (especially if you are in front of the Blessed Sacrement) it helps to just clear your mind of all thoughts and just let God speak to you. Something may or may not happen, and it might take several times. I don’t know if you’ve tried this or how many times you have tried this if you have. But don’t give up!

It all works differently for everyone; when their faith becomes personal. For me it wasn’t until I went to college and met good friends for the first time in my life, at our church there. God worked through these friends a lot to bring me closer to Him. Being with my peers at church and going on eucharist-centered retreats were helpful for me too.

I’m sorry if none of this was helpful to you, I’m still learning! But don’t give up because something will happen some day!
God bless, you’re in my prayers.

 

[Awake]

Sorry I had no right to say that.

Not a problem. It was a reasonable conclusion.

I know it is nice to hear Godbut sometimes it takes much time. Tell you what, there is a story in the bible Jesus talks about, this old woman who would never give up so the King gave her what she wanted because the king thought “I will be badgered to death if I don’t give her what she wants so I will give it” You could try that, I do if I’m not hearing God and get irate at God.

That’s what I’ve been doing, I think.

So if you don’t know what Jesus has done for you then are you saying you have not read the bible or don’t understand (even though you have read the bible) what Jesus has done for you?

No, I’m very familiar with scripture and Catholic theology. But there’s a difference between being told and knowing something. People tell me all the great things Jesus has done for me, but I’m sure if I believe them. It’s hard for me to form an intimate relationship with somebody that I have only been told about and am not sure if he is who some people actually say he is.

 

[Awake]

Maybe you are trying TOO hard?
I’m not an expert so I don’t know if that is any help to you or not. Sometimes when you are praying (especially if you are in front of the Blessed Sacrement) it helps to just clear your mind of all thoughts and just let God speak to you. Something may or may not happen, and it might take several times. I don’t know if you’ve tried this or how many times you have tried this if you have. But don’t give up!

It all works differently for everyone; when their faith becomes personal. For me it wasn’t until I went to college and met good friends for the first time in my life, at our church there. God worked through these friends a lot to bring me closer to Him. Being with my peers at church and going on eucharist-centered retreats were helpful for me too.

I’m sorry if none of this was helpful to you, I’m still learning! But don’t give up because something will happen some day!
God bless, you’re in my prayers.

This has been proposed to me before: that I’m trying too hard. I don’t think that’s the case for several reasons.

First of all, Jesus tells us “seek and you shall find”. He doesn’t follow it up with “but don’t seek too hard, or you won’t find.” I find scripture to be pretty clear about this.

Secondly, I don’t really “try” as much as I used to. Like I said, I’m getting to the point where I just don’t care anymore. So I couldn’t find God when I was “trying” very hard, and I’m still not able to find God now that I’m “trying” less.

 

[littleone]

This is the picture

http://www.apostolate.org/apostolate/ANE_PG_Manual/SHJ-IHM-lg-pic.jpg



God loves you

Thank you I have blown this up and printed it out for our bedroom.
Godbess

 

[littleone]

This has been proposed to me before: that I’m trying too hard. I don’t think that’s the case for several reasons.

First of all, Jesus tells us “seek and you shall find”. He doesn’t follow it up with “but don’t seek too hard, or you won’t find.” I find scripture to be pretty clear about this.

Secondly, I don’t really “try” as much as I used to. Like I said, I’m getting to the point where I just don’t care anymore. So I couldn’t find God when I was “trying” very hard, and I’m still not able to find God now that I’m “trying” less.

I guess you are giving yourself the answer as to why you are not getting the relationship you desire.
If you love a person it starts with a little and builds up.
So! questions, (you don’t have to answer on this forum if you don’t want)
1: What have you found in the bible and from others that attracts you to Jesus?

2: In other relationships has it been an amount of time before you decided that this person has something I like about their attitude/ aptitude towards life?

3: What has Jesus ever done for any person that no other person has or could ever do that might make you think more of them?

4: How are you looking at Jesus is it in the historical or the spirit or the son of God? This will determan how your answer is being formed.

There are others but enough for now.

Godbless

 

[Nordar]

You know the fact that you are on here asking questions and searching for answers, could it be that God IS listening to you, Most importantly he HEARS you.

 

[tessi]

Try denying yourself. I know it’s hard and almost impossible when you have nothing inside but at least try it (specially when it concerns others).

 

[dominicsavio]

there is a book called “discovering your personal vocation” by fr. herbert alphonso that may be helpful to you. it helps you to discern the way that God does speak to you and how you will be most happy loving God. the truth is, whether you hear Him speak to you or not, at each moment God is laboring to speak to you through the present moment. this book has helped my relationship with God and several people close to me that have similar problems with apathy.

 

[Epistemes]

Ok tough guy, your profile says that you’re a former atheist who was given faith by a conversion experience. Who are you to tell somebody to get over themselves when they haven’t had the same conversion experience?

Sort of an ironic response to the suggestion to “get over yourself.”

 

[littletherese3]

I was partly in the same situation last year: I knew that I wasn’t very close to God and I knew that I didn’t have enough faith.
I found a prayer card with this prayer on the back:

Lord Jesus, I come before Thee, just as I am, I am sorry for my sins, I repent of my sins, please forgive me. In Thy Name, I forgive all others for what they have done against me. I renounce Satan, the evil spirits and all their works. I give Thee my entire self, Lord Jesus, I accept Thee as my Lord God and Savior. Heal me, change me, strengthen me in body, soul, and spirit.

Come Lord Jesus, cover me with Thy Precious Blood, and fill me with Thy Holy Spirit, I love Thee Lord Jesus, I praise Thee Lord Jesus, I thank Thee Jesus, I shall follow Thee every day of my life. Amen.

Mary, My Mother, Queen of Peace, all the Angels and Saints, please help me. Amen.

And with this message underneath it:

Say this prayer faithfully, no matter how you feel. When you come to the point where you sincerely mean each word with all your heart, Jesus will change your whole life in a very special way. You will see.

I have said this prayer every night for a year and TRUST ME it works. Obviously, it’s not a magic trick or anything. It takes time. I know that I still have a long way to go but I have never felt so close to God in my whole life.

Please, please, try it, because it seems just what you need.

Love Rachael:thumbsup:

 

[Awake]

I guess you are giving yourself the answer as to why you are not getting the relationship you desire.
If you love a person it starts with a little and builds up.
So! questions, (you don’t have to answer on this forum if you don’t want)
1: What have you found in the bible and from others that attracts you to Jesus?

I guess his message of love.

2: In other relationships has it been an amount of time before you decided that this person has something I like about their attitude/ aptitude towards life?

Not sure I understand the question.

3: What has Jesus ever done for any person that no other person has or could ever do that might make you think more of them?

I can only regurgitate what other people have told me. I don’t “know” myself.

4: How are you looking at Jesus is it in the historical or the spirit or the son of God? This will determan how your answer is being formed.

As of now, I look at him in the historical sense. I can’t instantly look at him as the son of God just because some people say he is.

 

[Awake]

You know the fact that you are on here asking questions and searching for answers, could it be that God IS listening to you, Most importantly he HEARS you.

Well, God already knows who I am. I think it would be more important that I can know who he is.

 

[Awake]

Try denying yourself. I know it’s hard and almost impossible when you have nothing inside but at least try it (specially when it concerns others).

I feel like I’m always denying myself, but I guess I could try doing it more than usual.

 

[Awake]

there is a book called “discovering your personal vocation” by fr. herbert alphonso that may be helpful to you. it helps you to discern the way that God does speak to you and how you will be most happy loving God. the truth is, whether you hear Him speak to you or not, at each moment God is laboring to speak to you through the present moment. this book has helped my relationship with God and several people close to me that have similar problems with apathy.

It just doesn’t add up. God is laboring to speak to me at every present moment. I have labored very hard to hear God speak to me. Why can we never actually connect?

 

[Awake]

Sort of an ironic response to the suggestion to “get over yourself.”

Another so-called Christian coming to judge me…

 

[Awake]

I was partly in the same situation last year: I knew that I wasn’t very close to God and I knew that I didn’t have enough faith.
I found a prayer card with this prayer on the back:

Lord Jesus, I come before Thee, just as I am, I am sorry for my sins, I repent of my sins, please forgive me. In Thy Name, I forgive all others for what they have done against me. I renounce Satan, the evil spirits and all their works. I give Thee my entire self, Lord Jesus, I accept Thee as my Lord God and Savior. Heal me, change me, strengthen me in body, soul, and spirit.

Come Lord Jesus, cover me with Thy Precious Blood, and fill me with Thy Holy Spirit, I love Thee Lord Jesus, I praise Thee Lord Jesus, I thank Thee Jesus, I shall follow Thee every day of my life. Amen.

Mary, My Mother, Queen of Peace, all the Angels and Saints, please help me. Amen.

And with this message underneath it:

Say this prayer faithfully, no matter how you feel. When you come to the point where you sincerely mean each word with all your heart, Jesus will change your whole life in a very special way. You will see.

I have said this prayer every night for a year and TRUST ME it works. Obviously, it’s not a magic trick or anything. It takes time. I know that I still have a long way to go but I have never felt so close to God in my whole life.

Please, please, try it, because it seems just what you need.

Love Rachael:thumbsup:

I’ve been saying prayers similar to that for the past 5 years. I guess I’m just getting so tired of the promise that it will all come to me if I just keep at it. Some people are able to hear God within days of seeking. Others weeks. Others, it takes years. For me, maybe it will take an entire lifetime. Or maybe I’ll never actually find God. Maybe it’s all some cruel joke.

 

[Epistemes]

Another so-called Christian coming to judge me…

The amount of hostility with which you’re addressing any criticisms by “so-called Christians” tells me that something within you needs to change if you truly want any sort of relationship at all.

I pray such advice won’t be met by another snappy sarcasm, but if it is then case in point.

 

[Awake]

The amount of hostility with which you’re addressing any criticisms by “so-called Christians” tells me that something within you needs to change if you truly want any sort of relationship at all.

I pray such advice won’t be met by another snappy sarcasm, but if it is then case in point.

Most people in this thread have been trying to help me out with good feedback, and I sincerely appreciate their time and effort. I have responded back to each post honestly with my struggles and haven’t been hostile.

I do, however, get considerably annoyed by people who are self-righteous and love to come into situations like this and judge people. I have seen some recent topics you have created in which you have been discussing your deep spiritual struggles in life. If somebody were to tell you to “get over yourself” and imply that your too interested in self-gratification and you are too “me” oriented, you would probably also be annoyed.

Why, for instance, did you even feel you had to come in here and post a snide remark?

Christians who truly follow Christ’s example are the most enjoyable people to be around. On the other hand, there are many people who call themselves Christians but constantly judge other people having a holier-than-thou attitude. It’s these kinds of “Christians” that deter so many people away from Christianity.

 

[HelenaMT]

I want to have an intimate relationship with God, but I just have a hard time caring. What can I do to cure apathy?

Scripture doesn’t speak to me. Most of the OT seems barbaric and archaic. Reading the NT, Jesus seems like an intriguing figure, but I don’t feel any personal connection with him and I don’t get any desire to give my life for Christianity. A lot of what is in the Bible just seems silly and absurd to me.

Theology seems meaningless. I am well versed in Catholic theology, but it all just seems pointless. Theologians debate on obscure details that have no barring on one’s life and ultimately the only reason they can use to defend their viewpoint is that they know God better than the other person. The debate of the filioque is the epitome of the this.

Prayer doesn’t do anything for me. God doesn’t speak to me, directly or indirectly. People speak of how great prayer is and how close a relationship they gain with God. I have no idea what this is like. Every hour I spend in prayer does nothing more for me than waste an hour of my life. I actually find myself in a better mood when I don’t pray. I have tried all sorts of prayers and and all sorts of methods, but nothing works.

Even though I have studied the Catholic Mass extensively, I’m still bored when I go. All sorts of miraculous stuff is supposedly going on, but I don’t feel any desire to be there. Mass is supposed to be the highlight of one’s week, but I always look forward to it being over.

What it all comes down to is that God doesn’t speak to me through scripture, theology, prayer, or mass.

I’ve always thought that if I just spent a little bit more time in prayer, or a little more time reading the Bible, or went to daily Mass, or read more spiritual or theological books, than it would all click. If I did just a little bit more, I would understand what it is like when people say they have a relationship with Jesus. And that’s the only advice I’ve ever really received “just pray about it” or “learn about it and you’ll have more of a desire”. Well I’ve tried, and I’ve tried and I’ve tried, and it doesn’t work.

I don’t know what it is like to have a religious experience. Nature, music, literature, mathematics, and science all speak to me. But when it comes to Catholicism, God, Jesus, etc., nothing speaks to me. And people tell me I’m evil because God isn’t the most important part of my life…

What am I doing wrong?

I think service to others, the way Jesus calls us to do, can open up a deeper relationship with Him. In my opinion, often more than just praying. When you pray and pray and nothing happens, maybe that’s not what you need to be doing.

Try to focus more on what Jesus is calling his disciples to DO, rather than what you think you should be hearing from Him.

Feeding the poor, being a Eucharistic minister to the sick and dying, anything where you are serving those in need could lead you to the feelings you are looking for.

Of course, if you already are doing these things, I probably just sound patronizing.

I have gone through long dry doubting periods, bored with Mass, angered by lack of communication, and honestly the only ways these things have resolved themselves in myself is when I have stopped trying to force it and just tried to *act * the faith instead of overthinking my lack of feelings.

Good luck and please don’t give up!