Problem believing in the Lord

[xSteven]

I just got my confirmation about last month. I’m so excited I get to be closer to my Lord.

But I’ve been having problems praying. When I pray every night I always think “How do you know he’s real”
Why is he real?
Where’s the proof?

Have you ever thought this? How can I get these out of my mind?
I need help ):

 

[John_of_Patmos]

I just got my confirmation about last month. I’m so excited I get to be closer to my Lord.

But I’ve been having problems praying. When I pray every night I always think “How do you know he’s real”
Why is he real?
Where’s the proof?

Have you ever thought this? How can I get these out of my mind?
I need help ):

I hope this helps
Read it with a parent, talk to them.

I am frequently attacked by thoughts of doubt.

In Christ’s Love

 

[Rainaldo]

Well, in general, how do you prove the reality of things in everyday life?

Remember, your senses can and do deceive you sometimes.

 

[Aggies08]

If you get closer, the devil tries harder.

 

[LegoGE1947]

Well, in general, how do you prove the reality of things in everyday life?

Remember, your senses can and do deceive you sometimes.

I can prove the reality of Chicago because I have seen it and have walked its streets, even though from where I am it is about 90 miles away. Chicago is also on the map of Illinois. I know people who have lived there. I have read books and seen tv shows and movies about it. Chicago is only one example. I could say the same about alot of places and things. Unfortunately I can’t say the same about God. I, too, am having the same problem as the OP of this thread. And yes, my senses do deceive me quite a bit.

 

[Julian0404]

I just got my confirmation about last month. I’m so excited I get to be closer to my Lord.

But I’ve been having problems praying. When I pray every night I always think “How do you know he’s real”
Why is he real?
Where’s the proof?

Have you ever thought this? How can I get these out of my mind?
I need help ):

xSteven,
As you have been taught in your confirmation class prep, you have now assumed two (2) major obligations that are part and parcel with the Sacrament of Confirmation, i.e. 1. to defend the faith 2. to evangalize the faith. Both of these make you a “soldier” in the faith for JESUS.
What you are experessing is an attack by satan or his devils to injure your faith through confussion. You are not the first to experience it, nor will you be the last. If the powers against which you are fighting can wedge the slightest, littlest, tiniest amount of doubt within your mind regarding your faith, they can begin to fill that wedge with greater and greater confusion.
You need help from the angles who job it is to fight satan and his devils. Find the Chaplet to St. Michael the Archangle and make a novena of it, and if possible make it an every day prayer. Just praying it gives comfort. When doubt arises, say the simple St. Michael prayer that is associated with the Rosary as given to us by Pope Leo XIII (if my memory serves me). Recognize that this occurence is not an accident given your recent reception of the Sacrament along with your expressed JOY for the Sacrament.
Fight back and TRUST IN JESUS, not in yourself or your own reasoning.
I will add you to my prayers.

 

[onjac]

I just got my confirmation about last month. I’m so excited I get to be closer to my Lord.

But I’ve been having problems praying. When I pray every night I always think “How do you know he’s real”
Why is he real?
Where’s the proof?

Have you ever thought this? How can I get these out of my mind?
I need help ):

Same here. I got confirmed last month and not long after, I started thinking the same thing and I was telling myself, “You’ve got to be kidding me.” I did a prayer to St. Michael the Archangel and a novena to Padre Pio. But praying the rosary helped a lot. Then, I started watching more clips from The Passion or Jesus of Nazareth. So, I told myself, “Whatever. I love Jesus too much to not believe He’s real. There’s no need to make this so difficult.”

 

[xSteven]

I can prove the reality of Chicago because I have seen it and have walked its streets, even though from where I am it is about 90 miles away. Chicago is also on the map of Illinois. I know people who have lived there. I have read books and seen tv shows and movies about it. Chicago is only one example. I could say the same about alot of places and things. Unfortunately I can’t say the same about God. I, too, am having the same problem as the OP of this thread. And yes, my senses do deceive me quite a bit.

I also live right by Chicago. About a 25minute ride there.
And I am doing daily prayers and always thinking positive. I just need help with it.

 

[mab23]

I also get thoughts of doubt - and sometimes I can easily talk my way back into my faith and sometimes its harder

and then I think sometimes this - what if I am wrong… and all the thousands to millions probably billions of catholics that lived were all wrong -

well what did I really lose - …but what if we are all right!!! - and everything is true - then I didn’t lose anything but hopefully have gained EVERYTHING

thats usually a last resort but I also like reading about saints and apparitions and the carmelites, dominicans or franciscans and that usually always brings me right back to 100% full faith

hope this helps

 

[xzereus]

I’m a skeptic and cynic by nature, and I’ve had a similar problem to this. Truthfully, I don’t feel God’s presence very often at all, if ever. Luckily, I think many of our fore-bearers probably had similar issues. The truth is, we can’t know anything on our own. Sometimes we won’t even feel that it is true. This is where our faith comes in.

Faith
We can’t come to God unless the Holy Spirit draws us, and he does so through faith. As Catholics, we are absolutely blessed with an abundance of faith and tradition. God’s made it so easy on us. I don’t know about you, but, while I never feel God at all, I am awestruck by the sheer beauty of our Church. Faith is the supernatural ability to know a truth that we couldn’t possibly know on our own. As a supernatural ability, it has to be given to us, and all we need to do is ask!

You’ve got it.
Just by posting here, you’ve shown that you desire faith. Not only that, but I can tell that you even earned a little faith from God right off the bat. You said, “I’m so excited I get to be closer to my Lord.” Even though you have doubts and even though you might not feel a thing, you believe, you know that there is a Lord. Ask God to give you more of the faith. He’ll give it to you. But you can speed up the process.

Sacraments and Tradition
Get yourself a dose of the Sacraments every moment you can! Your ability to believe is really a grace from God, and the Sacraments are all about grace! I highly suggest weekly confession when available. Other than the sacraments, you always have access to our Tradition–the endless supply of faith and spirituality that God has given us. Don’t stop with the Latin Rite. Look at all of the beauty the Church has to offer, including the Eastern Rites. I highly suggest that you read up on the saints, and find a saint who exhibited qualities which you hope to one day exhibit.

Apologies, I tend to ramble. I just get too excited when I’m talking about faith. I hope this post has at least something to offer for you. I am saying a quick prayer for you right now.

The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!

 

[fred_conty]

There are ways for a catholic to know the presence of Jesus.
Some experience it or have experienced it and for that reason know He is real and present.

This happens to many in the reception of Holy Communion, his very body and his very person.
They experience the oneness with Jesus in their momments of union.
They don’t have to fight for this closeness, it is just there when they receive him.
He just comes to them and they know it almost without effort.

Other catholics do not experience him in holy communion but they know that he is real and present thru an act of their faith. They don’t actually experience him, but work their gift of faith to know he is bodily present and personally present to them. It takes effort. He nontheless is truely present to them and he gives them refreshment.

Whichever one the catholic might be, because he has touched the Lord personally, he then renews what his life is all about and from this, can live it in and with God.

Our Lord knew we needed him present and close, and that is what he gives us in the real presence of Holy Communion.

Another way we may know his presence is thru some type of conversion in our life. Many seem to have had this, which many others have never had. The church in the catechism has said that this is a good thing when a person experiences Jesus in such a way in a conversion that this moment impacts their lives forever and makes him personally real.

IMO, if a person has never experience this closeness with Jesus, they should pray for it, for it will strengthen their love and commitment to Jesus, and make the fight worthwhile.

Just a few ideas.

 

[michaelmas]

I have doubts as well and it is higher at times then other times.

A couple of things that set me sort of straight.

1. How do you explain Fatima and the sun spiraling into the Earth?
2. St. Bernadatte’s body looks as thought she is sleeping
3. the miracles at Lourdes
4. etc.

and the next thing

So what if this is a farce. What is wrong with living the life Jesus lead? Treating others with respect, love, and forgiveness. What is wrong with that? I think it is a pretty neat way to live ones life.

 

[Andre1000]

I can prove the reality of Chicago because I have seen it and have walked its streets, even though from where I am it is about 90 miles away. Chicago is also on the map of Illinois. I know people who have lived there. I have read books and seen tv shows and movies about it. Chicago is only one example. I could say the same about alot of places and things. Unfortunately I can’t say the same about God. I, too, am having the same problem as the OP of this thread. And yes, my senses do deceive me quite a bit.

Maybe you are in a Matrix? You should look at scepticism!

Sometimes I ask myself if the world is real.

 

[Deo_Gratias42]

I did to some varying degree shortly after I reverted. I took it to the confessional and that was the end of it. I have had many graces bestowed upon me via the sacrament of penance.

 

[johnthebaptist1]

I just got my confirmation about last month. I’m so excited I get to be closer to my Lord.

But I’ve been having problems praying. When I pray every night I always think “How do you know he’s real”
Why is he real?
Where’s the proof?

Have you ever thought this? How can I get these out of my mind?
I need help ):

As a strong Catholic,I believe that their is a God ,which he created us in his Image.I don,t need proof,for the words of the Lord are true,and I wait for his return.

 

[Evan]

I can prove the reality of Chicago because I have seen it and have walked its streets, even though from where I am it is about 90 miles away. Chicago is also on the map of Illinois. I know people who have lived there. I have read books and seen tv shows and movies about it. Chicago is only one example. I could say the same about alot of places and things. Unfortunately I can’t say the same about God. I, too, am having the same problem as the OP of this thread. And yes, my senses do deceive me quite a bit.

If you find this convincing for the existence of Chicago, you can do the same thing for our Faith.

There were eye witnesses who saw Jesus, saw the hungry fed, the blind see, the dead raised. Some saw the crucifixion, the sword thrust through is heart, and saw him alive 2 days later.

Just because you have never been to Chicago (or Rio) do you doubt its existence? You are separated from them in space.

You are separated from the eye witnesses in time, but it’s tied very closely to other people (Caesar, Pilate) and places (Nazareth, Jerusalem) and common actions (temple worship, crucifixions).

So when I begin to doubt, I concentrate on the fact that people who were very good a killing via crucifixion, crucified Christ, and a couple days later, hundreds of people saw him walking around!!!

 

[PJM]

=xSteven;9340981]I just got my confirmation about last month. I’m so excited I get to be closer to my Lord.

But I’ve been having problems praying. When I pray every night I always think “How do you know he’s real”
Why is he real?
Where’s the proof?

Have you ever thought this? How can I get these out of my mind?
I need help ):

Hi Steven, welcome to CAF and “HOME”

Your post suggest at least a possibility that God is offering you GRACE which your not fully accepting and applying. This is likely a serious, but temporary condition.

Eph.2: 8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God”

1st. Tim 2: 3-4 This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” [always singular]

2nd. Tim.3:16-17 “All scripture, inspired of God, is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice, That the man of God may be perfect, furnished to every good work”

God being real and KNOWN is quite easy to accept if two conditions are present.

If Both you and God willing it

God is real because there is a very precise and specific reason for the Universe, and man; both Creations of God. God can be described as “Every Good thing Perfected” And “Good” and “good things” exist only because of God’s love for us.

Isa.43 Verses 7 and 21: “every one who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." AND the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.” These verses explain the reason for both.

CONSIDER:
In the Universe there are BILLIONS of stars, planets and galaxies. BUT ONLY ONE can be proven today to be able to support the life forms we know of. EARTH!

WHY?

On planet earth there are hundreds of thousands of “living things”. BUT ONLY ONE; man alone can rationalize, love and hate.

WHY?

In order to love requires God like attributes [Gen. 1:26-27] of a mind, intellect, and FREEWILL; which are permanently attached to our Souls. Each of these like God Himself is a “Spiritual thing.” And each like God are “Infinite.” Meaning that they can neither die or be killed. It is this part of us that spends Eternity in the place of OUR choice; heaven or hell. Also like God VERY REAL.

Because man alone can choose to “love or hate” God. That unique ability becomes the purpose of the Universe [which is to lead us to a knowledge of God through honest reflection and awe] that God is REAL, and does exist. Man’s exclusive ability to choose to love or hate God then becomes the primary purpose of our existence. But God does not force anyone to Love Him. He makes it possible for everyone to KNOW that He does exist; offers Grace that provides the Wisdom of FAITH through Grace, which can be accepted or denied.

FYI: That Jesus did exist is provable through historical secular research. That Jesus is God; and that God exist even in the present times is most notable through Miracles that still occur when God Wills them. MUCH evidence is available to prove this. Fatima and Lourdes can be GOOGLED for further evidence.

There is very much more but space limits my response.

God Bless,
Pat /PJM here on this Forum.

 

[Kevin_B]

This is not the traditional response, but I’m not a traditional person. I’m an agnostic Catholic: I believe strongly in God, but I believe that we can never know for sure if He exists or if our vision of Him is correct.

I still believe in the Catholic conception of God, though. Why, since I have no proof? Well, start from the beginning.

I believe in a supreme being, because it seems like a more logical beginning to our universe than any other.

I believe in the Judeo-Christian-Muslim God, and Christianity in particular, because I agree with the moral teachings of Jesus and I believe such a perfect moral code must have divine insight.

I am a Catholic in particular because Jesus seemed like he intended for his church to carry on, and the Catholic church is the only one with claims to carry that lineage. Maybe some orthodox churches can make that claim as well, but Catholic churches and orthodox churches are very similar, and the Catholic belief system just seems to suit me better.

So that’s why I am a Catholic. I have a logical and, in my opinion scientifically sound, reason for everything I believe.

 

[guanophore]

I’m an agnostic Catholic: I believe strongly in God, but I believe that we can never know for sure if He exists or if our vision of Him is correct.

Isn’t this a contradiction in terms? I mean, being Catholic is about embracing Jesus as Lord, and He is the revelation by God of Himself to mankind. Since

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation; 16 for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities - all things were created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, that in everything he might be pre-eminent. 19 For in him all the fulness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Col 1:15-20

In knowing Him, we have confidence that we know God as He is, since when we have seen Christ, we have seen the Father.

I see your point about our “vision being correct”, since we can be misled by our warped perceptions.

But that is why Jesus gave the Church the gift of infallibility, so that we would have a sure testimony, and not be misled by our own “vision” or lack of it!

 

[Monica4316]

I just got my confirmation about last month. I’m so excited I get to be closer to my Lord.

But I’ve been having problems praying. When I pray every night I always think “How do you know he’s real”
Why is he real?
Where’s the proof?

Have you ever thought this? How can I get these out of my mind?
I need help ):

It might help you to read something like this… tanbooks.com/doct/divine_mercy.htm
(it’s approved by the Church)

Jesus has actually spoken to Saints and others in private revelations, and sometimes it can help to read them because it helps to understand that He is truly there! Of course we know this through our faith, and it should be by faith, (and we should never seek any private revelations!) but still reading them can be encouraging I have personally been encouraged by books like “Way of Divine Love” by Sr Josefa Menendez or “Divine Mercy in My Soul” by St Faustina. there’s also the book “He and I” by Gabrielle Bossis, which really helps to have a closer relationship with Jesus. The book was originally in French.

Yet another great book is “Consoling the Heart of Jesus” by Fr Michael Gaitley, I REALLY REALLY highly recommend this one too

Jesus definitely is there when we pray, He told St Faustina that the more we trust in Him the more we would receive (because otherwise we close ourselves to God), and as time goes on, if you keep praying this would become more clear to you, as your faith grows make sure to stay close to the Sacraments, maybe go to Adoration, and receive Communion always in a state of grace after Confession. Try also asking Mary to lead you closer to her Son, - devotion to Mary is really helpful in obtaining many graces for us

Maybe it could help you to just go to Adoration and talk to Jesus like to your best friend, and be very open with Him, and if you can’t get Adoration where you live, then just pray before the Blessed Sacrament of course you can also pray to Him anywhere!

God bless you!