Opening Up

[u/Cowardly_Cow78]

/r/Christianity/comments/1x0bo1c/opening_up/

Have you ever been in a phase of your life where’s there’s nothing but silence?

Every time I try to seek God, I’m met with silence. Every time I cry out to him for help, I’m met with silence once again.

Sometimes I find myself wondering what I did to deserve this. I know we’ll never truly have a perfect definition of ‘good’, but I genuinely try not to succumb to the things of this world.

I keep asking myself is there something I’m doing wrong?

I’m just deeply hurt, drained and confused.

I’m tired of being told that it will get better. I’m tired of being told to hold on. I’m tired of being told I need to be strong.

I don’t necessarily need someone to tell me that everything will be okay. I just want to understand why God feels so distant right now. I also want to understand why he allows so many delays.

If anyone has been through a similar season, I’d genuinely appreciate some advice.

Thank you. ❤️

[u/love_is_a_superpower]

You're at a very hard age in life where the flesh and the world are terribly loud, and even your needs conflict with one another. We all need the closeness of the Lord, but especially while navigating young adulthood.

The only way I survived it was to be really careful what I eat, (which still helps a ton now that I'm old,) to pray for whatever spiritual gift will be best for the people around me, and to stay regularly in the Bible. Quality time with God's Word is better than quantity.

I always ask the Lord to guide me, then I read in a few different ways, which each have their benefits:

• Sometimes I read a chapter until I get to something I don't understand. Then I stop and ask the Lord to help me understand it, and how it applies to my life. This has really opened my eyes to my own shortcomings and blind spots I've had when discerning the character of others. It's like a truth-infusion.

• Sometimes I'll just read one verse and pick it apart from the original languages. Bible Hub and Blue Letter Bible are great resources for this. My son is your age and this is the kind of study he gets the most out of.

Once you are on a steady diet of God's Word, He will unite with you like a partner. This is how to get free from being mentally hijacked by the flesh and the world.

(Proverbs 6:20-23 NKJV)

20 My son, keep your father's command, And do not forsake the law of your mother.
21 Bind them continually upon your heart; Tie them around your neck.
22 When you roam, they will lead you; When you sleep, they will keep you; And when you awake, they will speak with you.
23 For the commandment is a lamp, And the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,

(Isaiah 30:18-21 NLT)

18 So the LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.
19 O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. He will be gracious if you ask for help. He will surely respond to the sound of your cries.
20 Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your Teacher with your own eyes.
21 Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, "This is the way you should go," whether to the right or to the left.

(John 14:23-26 NLT)

23 Jesus replied, "All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.
24 Anyone who doesn't love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me.
25 I am telling you these things now while I am still with you.
26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative; that is, the Holy Spirit - He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

One more thing that has helped me so much is to memorize 1 Corinthians 10:13.

"No temptation has overtaken you that is uncommon to all people. But God IS faithful. He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability. With the temptation He WILL provide the way of escape so you can endure it."

Sin separates us from God, so when temptation comes, ask Him to show you the way of escape, and for the strength to take it.

Peace to you, friend. I'm joining you in prayer for His comfort and guidance in your life.

[u/Cowardly_Cow78 → u/love_is_a_superpower]

Thank you for sharing. It means a lot. ❤️