Feeling Lost and Confused

[RenaP]

Hi all,
I made this account just to talk about this issue, as I feel I have no one in my life with whom I could have this conversation. I’m 18 and at a big crossroads in my life. My faith has always been important to me, but recently it’s been sort of rocky. I want to trust God and do what He wants. But the thoughts of God not existing always plague me. I feel that if I wasn’t born into a specific faith, I would still believe that there was some sort of spiritual force in the universe. I think I just want to feel some sort of spiritual connection with God, but I feel nothing. I want my life to be meaningful through my spirituality. My life feels mundane and meaningless. I want to escape. Have any of you ever felt that way? That you just want to leave everything and go on some big adventure? I guess I feel like I want to take that adventure through my faith, but it’s like God isn’t speaking to me. Sometimes I wonder if I might find more meaning in a different faith. I’ve always felt the most connected to God through nature, but I’ve always been ashamed of that since I guess it could correlate with paganism or something. God wants me to do something with my life, but I have no idea what it is.

Thank you if you read all of this. I’m sorry, if it doesn’t really make sense. I’m mostly just writing my thoughts out. I would appreciate any advice or stories from people who have gone through something similar. Thank you.

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

A retreat might be in order. Also, look up the “Thomas Merton prayer”. That might help, too.

 

[Brendea]

I remember a time when I was at a crossroads i was confused and had mixed emotions thoughts and feelings, I found comfort and solace in the bible and in prayer, and if we look hard enough in the bible and open our heart and our mind the bible always has the answers which we seek

Something that my 5 year old told me recently is that if we talk to God he will listen and prayer is the best way to have a conversation with God he is always there for us when we need him and it doesn’t matter how often we call on him he’s always there ready to listen

 

[hazcompat]

Precious Soul,

Be not afraid. The journey of each soul to God is unique. There are so many gems in the desert. What ever you are going through is a part of Our Fathers plan for your sanctification. Be patient and docile to the movements of the Holy Spirit within your soul.

Peace

 

[Guest1]

@RenaP
Rena maybe you should explore Catholic answers on the topic of atheism. Do you just believe because maybe that’s how you were raised? Is your faith built on a weak Foundation?

You are on Catholic answers Forum so that’s good. But there might come a time when an atheist you why do you believe what you believe?

Consider asking your questions here.

 

[Lee1]

I think I just want to feel some sort of spiritual connection with God, but I feel nothing.

Our spiritual connection with God is so innate and natural that you may well not feel it. You are right to sense this too because God is real, be assured.

There can’t be many people who haven’t felt a need for adventure at eighteen, it too is natural though you may experience it in a unique way.

If you read a little about St There’s of Lisieux you will find that she intended to pave her way to heaven by doing simple things. She thought she could never do great things and so she would do everyday things well and perform simple acts of charity. You should read a little at least about her life because she was most of us. She showed us how all of us can do it.

People often say, if only I knew what God’s plan for me is, or what God wants me to do. If God has some huge plan for you it will be revealed when you are ready. In the meantime you might live and follow His guidance in the simple day to day events in your life.

That may not be exciting but the great task for a Catholic is to be a great Catholic, that way you will achieve salvation! That’s a great task and once achieved a great prize. And part of achieving that will involve doing charitablle acts too which will benefit who knows how many souls.

God bless.

 

[yankeesouth]

I’ve always felt the most connected to God through nature, but I’ve always been ashamed of that since I guess it could correlate with paganism or something. God wants me to do something with my life, but I have no idea what it is.

Maybe He wants you to glorify Him using your interest in nature. The Catholic Faith and science are not at odds.

 

[Dorothy]

Dear RenaP,

Our Lord loves you infiinitely!

Ask our Blessed Mother to pray for you, even if you do not feel a connection to her. Ask her every day…perhaps say a decade of the Rosary and meditate on Our Lord’s passion.

Also talk to Our Lord Jesus Christ, spend some time with Him in conversation every day.
If you are faithful to this the Lord will lead you to His truth. He is always there for us.

 

[crenfro]

Hello.

Makes a lot of sense to me. When I was 18 I had trouble believing I existed. I like what I heard in that St. Pope John Paul II movie – “let God find you.” I wish I’d heard that back then.

One day at a time & keep fighting the good fight!