What is 'real'?

GMC · Post by **GMC** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 11:49 am

I have for a long time questioned what is 'real' or important in life, often feeling depressed about the things I engage in. This is particularly heightened by what the bible says about looking to nothing but God, being concerned about nothing else. The panic and anxiety have just amplified these concerns, making me feel incapable of dealing with anything material including daily chores and such. I haven't wanted to get a job because it feels like participating in an artificial system of things I'm not sure I believe in. I fear my attachment to anything physical and often just feel enslaved in physical existence. This is pretty heavy but I just want to know if anyone else is worrying about this stuff a lot. Thinking on this level and feeling powerless to respond in any satisfying way keeps me on total edge all day long and makes me feel farther and farther from what is going on around me. Thoughts?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 12:40 pm

I went through this exact same thing, only when I was a serious student of metaphysics. I studied course in miracles, and many other metaphysical systems, and it nearly drove me insane. The whole point behind these systems is that physical reality is not real, nothing really exists. I slowly began giving up everything I had enjoyed in 'physical' life..art, music, magazines, tv, sports, until I was left with almost nothing. I even began having fear of food.
You may have seen alot of posts by me recommending Joyce Meyer, and I only repeat myself so often because by watching her daily, and using her Bible, and other materials, I have been able to come back and 'reconnect' with this world. Proper in depth study of the scriptures will renew your mind. One of the 'replacement' thoughts I use is John 3:16 and 17..For God SO LOVED THE WORLD that he gave his only begotten Son...therefor there is now NO CONDEMNATION for those who believe in Christ..
Did you see it? GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD. Also, God made the world and said it was GOOD. When the Bible says to look to nothing but God, it is saying not to get involved with any other types of teaching, not to forsake the world!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:09 am

Thanks for your answer to this problem, gettingfree. I remember reading somewhere that we are in the world, but not of the world because of Christ Jesus. The things of this world can be so heavy, but Christ lifts us above them. Any thoughts?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 10:27 am

In John 16:33 Jesus says...
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world,

(brackets are from the Amplified Bible)

Romans 12:2 Paul says,

Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God; even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

Other spiritual traditions ask you to 'empty' your mind...Jesus warns against emptying your mind. Paul says to 'renew' your mind. The Bible is the highest form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, but you can only use it for replacement thoughts if you study it for yourself