Spiritual desert

Darlene Elizabeth · Post by **Darlene Elizabeth** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 7:40 am

Twenty-five years ago I was deeply spiritual. Then I lost my faith in God. I have tried many different paths back to Him, but all have failed. I believe it is due to the depression. Has anyone had a similar experience?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 8:09 am

25 years ago I too was a spiritual child. In the years that followed, the church my family attended was torn apart by its leaders and their lies. I realized my parents blind faith and ignorance killed our "family". Along with the church foundation crumbling went my faith in god and any higher source of goodness in this world.
I have attended other churches and meets. I've read books and dabbled in stuff from buddha to wicca and none of that faith has returned to me. So now I am trying to fill that emptiness by learning about myself. Not the person I was told I should be but the person i was born as. I hope that "Attacking Stress and Anxiety" can help me to find that in me.
I only just started the program yesturday and listened to the relaxation session last night. After the first night of restful sleep I have had in years I am filled with a new kind of, well, I think it might be hope.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 8:39 am

Hi Darlene,
I had just the opposite experience - my depression and anxiety brought me closer to God. Just reading the Bible, especially the Psalms makes me feel so much better. I hit rock bottom about 7 months ago with depression and anxiety and I don't ever want to go back there again. I'll have to tell you that without my faith in God I would have never made it out of that dark pit and be such the happy contented person that I am now. You would never know now what I felt like inside 7 months ago - it was like living hell here on earth. I know without God's love I would not be who I am today. God bless you and I hope you find some peace!

GE · Post by GE » Thu Nov 20, 2008 10:27 am

The Church I attended also was torn apart by it's leaders and splintered into many groups. I did attend two of the groups, but found that they were trying to rebuld houses bult on sand. I found through bible study and debating with my wife that the answers are in the bible. We let other men buld our house upon the sand and it did colaps, all of what I hald strong to fell to the ground between my fingers like sand, untill it was gone. Finally leaving it behind was like being unbrainwashed. We both stay at home now and worship our creator being led by The Holy Spirit. Man can lead you astray.
Always prove all things and check up on what they are feeding you. Is it in the bible for real, or is it a headge law?
1THES 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
JN 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
ACTS 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

whether those things were so? whether those things were so?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 11:05 am

I can totally relate! I guess I have come to the conclusion that I am trying to get a "feeling". I trust God, I have made a decision to trust Him and I know eventually the "feeling" will follow...when? who knows, but I'm learning I really don't care, when God is ready or probably more true, when I am ready, I'm sure it will come. I guess there's a song that goes "It's not in TRYING it's in TRUSTING, it's not in RUNNING it's in RESTING". I trust Him and that's that...I saw Joyce Meyers the other day and she had a good point..."just make the decision...the feeling will follow"....Thanks!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 1:27 pm

Thank all of you for your responses to my question. You have a great faith in God which I respect. I am glad it is helping you get through your experiences with anxiety and depression. I'm just at a point where God does not exist for me. Mards 5, I like your suggestion to simply choose to believe in spite of what you feel. I'll give it a try. Thank you.