Used Up

[Jacob21]

Hey everyone,
I feel like i need to talk about this, even if only online. Lately I feel spiritually dry. I am running on empty. I can hardly see the point in persevering spiritually anymore. I see all these people living their life how it comes to them and having fun, being happy. I realize after much thought I have always been somewhat depressed, and low self esteem doesnt help this matter. Moreover I have been rejected on numerous occasions for a relationship because of my strict "Catholicness", people don't seem to think I can have any fun at all and am boring. I have many great friends, but I have a feeling that they see me differently. I'm that Catholic guy who goes to Church a lot. I'm the guy who carries around a Rosary. I'm the guy who doesn't really dress fashionably and wears a Crucifix and Scapular. I'm the guy that prays the Liturgy of the Hours and grace before meals. I am drowning in uncertainty and the world is just killing me right now. I don't even put half the effort to fight off sin anymore. I see people around me who don't even try and are happy and living their life. I'm drowning.

 

[eesparkles]

We who follow Christ and his teachings are the lucky ones. Other people who seem to be enjoying all of life’s simple pleasures truely do not know what they are missing out on when they decide to ignore God, or don’t go to church, or don’t say the rosary. I know that when I go through a spiritual dry spell it’s hard to feel that closeness to Christ. But we can’t always go by what we are feeling, we have to go by faith. I love having that spiritual high, when i can feel Jesus right in my presence, but those feelings don’t last.Jesus wants us to have faith and cling to him and trust in his love even though we don’t always have those wonderful feelings. Jesus is my best friend. He is my other half. The love of my life. By the sound of it you feel the same way. Even though you’re having a “dry spell” right now. I know sometimes it can seem like we will never get to meet him. That time goes by too slowly. But the day will come when we will stand before him and i pray with all my heart that he will tell me job well done . All the time we spent in prayer, in adoration, in mass,saying the rosary and doing acts of charity, will make our wonderful Lord so very pleased with us. Just remember that the time we spend here on earth is but a fleeting moment compared to all of eternity. Don’t give up on God !! It will all be worth it when you stand before him and he welcomes you home

 

[fermat]

There are times when the dry spells are just preparation for a flood. I’ll pray for you!

 

[Student09]

My friend, the Holy Spirit wrote this psalm for you (and for all of us who have felt this way):

Psalm 73:

How good God is to the upright, the Lord, to those who are clean of heart!

I But, as for me, I lost my balance; my feet all but slipped,

Because I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

For they suffer no pain; their bodies are healthy and sleek.

They are free of the burdens of life; they are not afflicted like others.

Thus pride adorns them as a necklace; violence clothes them as a robe.

Out of their stupidity comes sin; evil thoughts flood their hearts.

They scoff and spout their malice; from on high they utter threats.

They set their mouths against the heavens, their tongues roam the earth.

So my people turn to them and drink deeply of their words.

They say, "Does God really know?" "Does the Most High have any knowledge?"

Such, then, are the wicked, always carefree, increasing their wealth.

Is it in vain that I have kept my heart clean, washed my hands in innocence?

For I am afflicted day after day, chastised every morning.

Had I thought, "I will speak as they do," I would have betrayed your people.

Though I tried to understand all this, it was too difficult for me,

Till I entered the sanctuary of God and came to understand their end.

You set them, indeed, on a slippery road; you hurl them down to ruin.

How suddenly they are devastated; undone by disasters forever!

They are like a dream after waking, Lord, dismissed like shadows when you arise.

Since my heart was embittered and my soul deeply wounded,

I was stupid and could not understand; I was like a brute beast in your presence.

Yet I am always with you; you take hold of my right hand.

5 With your counsel you guide me, and at the end receive me with honor.

Whom else have I in the heavens? None beside you delights me on earth.

Though my flesh and my heart fail, God is the rock of my heart, my portion forever.

But those who are far from you perish; you destroy those unfaithful to you.

As for me, to be near God is my good, to make the Lord GOD my refuge. I shall declare all your works in the gates of daughter Zion.

I am praying for you.

 

[TheQuestioner]

Find some Catholic friends. REAL Catholic friends.

 

[Deedledum]

Hey everyone,

    I feel like i need to talk about this, even if only online. Lately I feel spiritually dry. I am running on empty. I can hardly see the point in persevering spiritually anymore. I see all these people living their life how it comes to them and having fun, being happy. I realize after much thought I have always been somewhat depressed, and low self esteem doesnt help this matter. Moreover I have been rejected on numerous occasions for a relationship because of my strict "Catholicness", people don't seem to think I can have any fun at all and am boring. I have many great friends, but I have a feeling that they see me differently. I'm that Catholic guy who goes to Church a lot. I'm the guy who carries around a Rosary. I'm the guy who doesn't really dress fashionably and wears a Crucifix and Scapular. I'm the guy that prays the Liturgy of the Hours and grace before meals. I am drowning in uncertainty and the world is just killing me right now. I don't even put half the effort to fight off sin anymore. I see people around me who don't even try and are happy and living their life. I'm drowning.

eesparkles is right. Don’t give up, It’s just what the Devil wants you to do! And just another side note…I wish I could meet a nice single man like the way you describe yourself God has a woman out there for you and she will be everything you want and more. no worries

 

[Jacob21]

Thank you everyone, you have lifted my spirits. I think I’m going to schedule an appointment with my spiritual director today. I guess what a lot of this boils down to is me not wanting to be seen as different. This is weird though because I usually don’t mind that. However knowing that people think I’m not “fun” or weird or boring really hits hard. Even my family, who are Catholic as well think its weird for a younger man to be so religious.

There are times when the dry spells are just preparation for a flood.

Hmm, could you please elaborate?

 

[Stylites]

The Summons

1. Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
   Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?
   Will you let my love be shown? Will you let my name be known,
   will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?
2. Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
   Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
   Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?
   Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?
3. Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?
   Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?
   Will you kiss the leper clean and do such as this unseen,
   and admit to what I mean in you and you in me?
4. Will you love the “you” you hide if I but call your name?
   Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
   Will you use the faith you’ve found to reshape the world around,
   through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?
5. Lord your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
   Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
   In Your company I’ll go where Your love and footsteps show.
   Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.

 

[puzzleannie]

Hey everyone,

I feel like i need to talk about this, even if only online. Lately I feel spiritually dry. I am running on empty. I can hardly see the point in persevering spiritually anymore. I see all these people living their life how it comes to them and having fun, being happy. I realize after much thought I have always been somewhat depressed, and low self esteem doesnt help this matter. Moreover I have been rejected on numerous occasions for a relationship because of my strict “Catholicness”, people don’t seem to think I can have any fun at all and am boring. I have many great friends, but I have a feeling that they see me differently. I’m that Catholic guy who goes to Church a lot. I’m the guy who carries around a Rosary. I’m the guy who doesn’t really dress fashionably and wears a Crucifix and Scapular. I’m the guy that prays the Liturgy of the Hours and grace before meals. I am drowning in uncertainty and the world is just killing me right now. I don’t even put half the effort to fight off sin anymore. I see people around me who don’t even try and are happy and living their life. I’m drowning.

your post seems to be about 2 things that are causing you concern, your relationship with God and your relationship with other people, friends specifically. The first I can only say seek spiritual direction, and know this condition comes to most Christians if they perservere in the spiritual life. For the second, be a good friend and you will never lack friends, that does not mean judging other people, nor does it mean you have to condone their sins and failings.

the solution to both dilemmas is service. Find someone to serve.

 

[4loveofJesus]

May God’s Peace, Love, Mercy, Graces & Blessings be with you and to all!

You have a beautiful soul. Do not be discouraged. In this day & age when people do not love Our Good God nor think about Him, you are so blessed to be able to have that close relationship with Him and should not be ashamed of it.

Many people do not see it, and others do not appreciate it and they may never will. Do not jeopardize the state of your soul just to be accepted or be held in high esteem by others. In the end what matters the most is God’s opinion of you and how pleasing your soul is to Him for He alone is the ONLY judge.

It will never be easy living a faithful & holy Catholic Christian life and Our Good Lord Jesus Himself showed us the most Perfect example. None would become saints & martyrs if they didn’t make any sacrifice. What is comforting to us is knowing He is there with us every step of the way even though we do not realize it.

Let us continue our journey towards God without delay by not allowing ourselves to get distracted by the opinion of others. Let us not grow weary but instead have UNLIMITED Faith, Trust & Hope In Our Good Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us carry our cross in union with the sufferings of Our Good Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross for the salvation of multitude of souls.

It is hard to understand nor appreciate it now for our mind will never have full understanding of it in this world but when you get to heaven you will be so amazed how much you will be esteemed for staying faithful to Our Lord Jesus Christ and how thankful these multitude of souls will be for helping them in the salvation of their souls.

Praying for you and for all!

 

[AlanFromWichita]

Do not give up your prayer, manner of dress, etc. but do not expect them to bring you spirituality, especially if you’re very attached to them. Also, if you are doing them to make a show to others that you are Catholic, then that might be a problem. NOT saying it is, just brainstorming here in the hopes it could trigger thoughts that are helpful to you.

I am glad you are meeting with your spiritual director.

Also, I’ll give you my pitch for silent prayer. Jesus told us to go into our private rooms to pray. If you’ve never heard of contemplative prayer, by all means ask your SD about it. The Catechism says prayer actually “should” go further [than verbal and meditative forms] and into prayer that achieves true union with God. (CCC 2708)

Reference: CCC 2700-2724

Caution: your life might change forever. When I first met my SD, I had recently begun an extended and severe psychotic episode, which was causing me all sorts of bizarre thoughts about God, constantly. He got me into contemplative prayer, and I consider it primarily responsible for the healing I have received from the Divine Therapist, a.k.a. Holy Spirit. I also recommend it for people who have never been psychotic.

Alan

 

[Jacob21]

Thank you everyone, so so very much. I feel much better after reading your responses and talking with my Spiritual Director. I have learned that I need to face moments of these with prayer and complete trust and abandon to the will of God. I know he will take care of me, I just have to trust.

 

[scimitar60]

Hi. I was in your situation a while ago and I must say, your in good guidance by the Holy Spirit for coming here for suggestions. Can I ask why you can’t have fun being a Catholic? That’s what annoys me about the stereotype of this church. People always think that Catholics are Monks with absolutely no sense of humour and spend their entire lives in their basements reading the Bible. A) You should have fun with your friends and family; just make sure you put your churches morals in so that you don’t end up getting drunk & do stupid things etc etc. Also I didn’t try to imply by my earlier statement by saying to not read the Bible often. Read it everyday. Sorry for my Grammer and stuff if you can’t understand well, I’m too used to MSN talk . Good luck mate and hang in there, you keep on trying and God will lead you in the right direction.

 

[Joannm]

Hi. I was in your situation a while ago and I must say, your in good guidance by the Holy Spirit for coming here for suggestions. Can I ask why you can’t have fun being a Catholic? That’s what annoys me about the stereotype of this church. People always think that Catholics are Monks with absolutely no sense of humour and spend their entire lives in their basements reading the Bible. A) You should have fun with your friends and family; just make sure you put your churches morals in so that you don’t end up getting drunk & do stupid things etc etc. Also I didn’t try to imply by my earlier statement by saying to not read the Bible often. Read it everyday. Sorry for my Grammer and stuff if you can’t understand well, I’m too used to MSN talk . Good luck mate and hang in there, you keep on trying and God will lead you in the right direction.

I agree one can be a Catholic and still have fun…just find good Catholic friends. I belong to a group of dedicated Catholics who do all the things the OP listed and we have lots of fun. We have lots of parties, go to the movies, plays, have dinner out, most of the things “normal” people do except we always keep God in the forefront of what we do.

I was on retreat with a group of pretty traditional nuns and they seemed to be having fun. They were so joyful. In fact that came to me while on retreat. In all things be joyful and it will come across to others who will want to share in your joy,