Confused

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John89

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Lately Ive had this feeling of emptiness inside. I dont feel the presence of God around me and feel like theres nothing out there. I know he doesnt owe us anything and know hes done enough for us but sometimes I wish he would do something to let you know that he really is there. I guess its just that I cant get over my uncles death and all the pain and suffering he went through, it makes me furious inside whenever I think about it and makes me angry that God would allow that, theres just certain things that I really wonder why he lets happen. Im trying my best to remain a good Christian but dont know how long I will last.
 
You’re not alone. You know for me when I get that way, I think of Job. Man if he never abandon God what he went thru I know I to can walk thru my time of darkness.
I will pray for you.
God bless
 
Sometimes, even people of tremendous faith feel a lack of the presence of God. It’s called “spiritual dryness.” And many great saints felt it, in a couple of cases, for years.

A few things I’d like to point out: Feelings aren’t facts. Feeling close to God and all the warmth and tenderness that comes from that feeling is sometimes a grace of consolation that He gives us. Sometimes it is just something that comes from the fact that life is going pretty well. It has very little to do with our faith.

Sometimes the feeling of apathy you’re describing can be used to demonstrate to God that you love Him, not for His graces or benefits or gifts, but for Himself alone. In that case, you have to exert your will to pray, to attend Mass, to receive the sacraments, even though you feel nothing. Don’t be fooled by that. Something is going on. Your faith, in such times, is getting stronger.

And times of consolation do follow periods of dryness.

So keep on keeping on with your spiritual life. Keep doing those things that you know are good for you. Even though it doesn’t feel that way, this too, shall pass. And you will emerge from it stronger and more full of faith and love for the Lord.
 
We believe in a suffering Savior. He was tortured for our sins - the greatest injustice of all time. Yet, He willingly submitted to that injustice for our sake. He showed us that redemption comes through suffering. It is through your uncle’s suffering that he also obtained eternal advantage. We are purified through our suffering, and made more acceptable to our Creator. Rather than anger, consider feeling awe at a God Who would suffer for both you and your uncle, and Who would accept your uncle’s suffering as the price of purgation of his remaining attachment to sin. Do not fear suffering - only the waste of it.
 
As others have said, you are not alone.
One thing I picked up on though is the anger you feel and that it ( or some of it) is directed at God. This places a wall between you and Him that is not of His making.
My saying this does not mean I don’t understand where you are. I watched may father waste away with Alzheimers and I am currently watching my wife going the same route.
It’s tough, and we don’t understand and it does hurt.
But when dad was near the end, my mother made a comment that really struck me. She said, “He’ll go straight to heaven because he’s done his purgatory here.”

How true that comment was. Purgation is the process of completing our perfection. Our sufferings, the sufferings of those we love, the time and energy and Love we pour into caring for them, praying for them and just being with them are all things that teach us, and also bring us closer to the perfection that Purgatory completes.

I know this won’t immediately take away your hurt or your anger, but please pray on this and contemplate it a bit. I’m sure it will help to ease your burden and bring you closer to feeling God’s presence again.

Peace
James
 
Thank you all for your replies, and yes what youre all saying is very inspiring and gives hope but how can I know for sure that its all true? I cant. Im going through very hard times and dont want to just hope for something to be true when there are so many other religions and belief systems how do we know ours is true or is it just another fairy tale? Im sorry for this post but im deeply hurting inside
 
Thank you all for your replies, and yes what youre all saying is very inspiring and gives hope but how can I know for sure that its all true? I cant. Im going through very hard times and dont want to just hope for something to be true when there are so many other religions and belief systems how do we know ours is true or is it just another fairy tale? Im sorry for this post but im deeply hurting inside
If we give some hope, that is something anyway.

The only thing that I can offer is to hold tight to Love, for that is the very foundation of our Faith.
And if it does turn out to be a fairy tale (which I certainly don’t believe) you will still have lived a beautiful, productive life.
But if one turns away from love, many others get hurt, and if the faith is true - your in big trouble…😛

As to other religions out there…All of the major belief systems worth anything are all built on Love. so maybe this is the place to start rebuilding.

Peace
James
 
Lately Ive had this feeling of emptiness inside. I dont feel the presence of God around me and feel like theres nothing out there. I know he doesnt owe us anything and know hes done enough for us but sometimes I wish he would do something to let you know that he really is there. I guess its just that I cant get over my uncles death and all the pain and suffering he went through, it makes me furious inside whenever I think about it and makes me angry that God would allow that, theres just certain things that I really wonder why he lets happen. Im trying my best to remain a good Christian but dont know how long I will last.
John, do you know about redemptive suffering? maybe the pain that your uncle went through helped to convert sinners, maybe it helped in his own salvation! God wants our eternal happiness… not just temporary. Try to trust in His goodness. With greater trust, it would be easier to believe He is there - whether you feel anything or not.
He is there 🙂

God bless :hug1:
 
Lately Ive had this feeling of emptiness inside. I dont feel the presence of God around me and feel like theres nothing out there. I know he doesnt owe us anything and know hes done enough for us but sometimes I wish he would do something to let you know that he really is there. I guess its just that I cant get over my uncles death and all the pain and suffering he went through, it makes me furious inside whenever I think about it and makes me angry that God would allow that, theres just certain things that I really wonder why he lets happen. Im trying my best to remain a good Christian but dont know how long I will last.
I suggest that you try to read beautiful New Testament. For today is the best text next:
Luke 24:13-35

[13] Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. [14] They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. [15] As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; [16] but they were kept from recognizing him.

[17] He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. [18] One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

[19] “What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. [20] The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; [21] but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. [22] In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning [23] but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. [24] Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.”

[25] He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! [26] Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” [27] And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

[28] As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. [29] But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

[30] When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. [31] Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. [32] They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

[33] They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together [34] and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” [35] Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
 
I’m so sorry you are feeling this way. Please know that I’ll be praying for you. :gopray2:
 
Thank you all for your replies, and yes what youre all saying is very inspiring and gives hope but how can I know for sure that its all true? I cant. Im going through very hard times and dont want to just hope for something to be true when there are so many other religions and belief systems how do we know ours is true or is it just another fairy tale? Im sorry for this post but im deeply hurting inside
John, you don’t know it’s true. That’s why it’s called faith. And you’ll be blessed for believing without seeing. Trust in God, know that what you’re feeling Jesus has also felt. Nothing you suffer is new to Jesus. Remember, He said “My God my God, why have you abandoned me?” Jesus is at your side when you suffer, suffering with you. Believe in Him, pray, and know that God holds you close - whether you feel it or not.

I’ve said a prayer for you and hope the Holy Spirit fills your heart. :blessyou:
 
John, you are Catholic and live near a local parish. Please call the parish office and ask when they offer Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. You need strength and assurance to replace the weakness and insecurity that you are feeling right now. Just go. Go and spend time in the presence of our Lord Jesus. Ask him - beg Him to reveal the truth to you. Then be patient, and let Him speak to your heart.

Remember that you are traveling through the valley of darkness, not trapped in it. Jesus is the light that will guide you through it all. He will never abandon you. Never.

Christ’s peace be with you.
 
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