Could I get some help, maybe?

[Ericisme]

Ok, I'm an 18 year old male that live in the U.S. I've got severe social anxiety\phobia and I've got no life, I'm also not a Christian. I'd like to be one though, I'm finding it hard to believe... I just can't bring myself to believe in God, I have been raised to not care at all and believe what I see, hear, and feel, which isn't God. So I believe what is possible by my beliefs, which isn't God. I can't see Him, because He's literally... nothing. An example, I could trust NOBODY to catch me as I fall to the ground. He won't show me He exists, He makes it too hard to show people He's real. That is the reason why the majority of modern society thinks of God and religion as jokes, literally funny jokes. So you see, I'd like a way to ACTUALLY believe in Him. No spiritual blah blah stuff, that is part of the reason why religion is a joke these days. So could anybody help me?

I'm sorry if this was insulting.

[sopranette]

I believe you have already helped yourself.  The very beginnings of faith in God begin with "help me seek Your face".  You could continue reading here and find a lot of your questions answered already, if you use the search option above.  You could also join a church and listen to a few sermons.  These things may help you in your search.

love,

sopranette

[HRoberson]

Are you getting treatment for the severe anxiety/phobia?

[larry2]

Dear Ericisme, thanks for your honest approach to this. In the scripture below it says all things are known of God by His creation alone; for instance, things didn't just evolve from some big bang. Some call God a higher intelligence, and it does not take much to be smarter than me, but God is God.

Romans 1:20  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

If you are really honest, you will see that all that is, did not come into being without intelligent design, and that creator of all is God. I have heard it described this way one time. A small boy was asked one time by a smart-alecky older person; can you show me where God is? The lad responded; show me where He isn't.
 
When I entered the armed services I professed to be an atheist, more out of spite to Christianity than what I actually believed. It didn't take long for reality to set in as things beyond my control began. There are many soldiers in fox holes that can quickly turn to God in their crisis.

God has given you a measure of faith, and your very query tells me God is dealing with you at this time. Faith comes by hearing or reading the word of God; I would suggest starting in the New Testament with the gospel of John, and then continuing on through the entirety of the rest of scriptures.

May god bless His truth to your life bringing peace to you in the name of Jesus - larry2

[Ericisme]

No I am not getting help for it. My mom is out of a job, my step dad is working 1/5 of what he use to work, and they stopped my SSI. So we can't really afford help for me, we'll probably end up living in a tent again, luckily it's getting warm out. My family isn't really religious, my mom is Christian, I'm sure. But she's the average American Christian, she believes, but doesn't care, no church, no prayer, just believes and that's it, she's got things to do such as... get money somehow. The only times I have been to a church really, was a few times with my dad a long time ago when we went there to get food and such, like the Salvation Army. Since we aren't religious, I'm sure that is why we are doing bad, I see it kinda often. Rich people being religious, poor people not as religious, it's funny, He's funny.  And no, I won't go to a church with my SA(Social Anxiety).

Larry, what I see, evolution and that junk makes more sense. Not some random being that made himself. Sure, that could explain it, but it doesn't make actual sense. I mean, no proof, at all, so evolution has many more reasons to be true. I'll admit, evolution seems a little weirdly stupid too, it has a LOT of holes in it, a LOT of things that can't be explained. But if *1* thing could make sense by evolution, then that means evolution is winning over God(evolution 1, God 0). Or creationism, I think they call it. Then again, there are a lot of holes in that too.

I just can't seem to find a way to believe, maybe if I was born believing these things, then I'd believe because that would be the ONLY thing I know. But now, I gotta choose between something that makes no sense, or something that makes more sense(evolution) to me. I mean if I was raised like this always hearing stories about God and stuff, like people magically getting healed after they get sick, I'd believe it because I have nothing else to believe. Just like if I was raised and told stories about... aliens, I'd have nothing else to believe so that would make sense to me. 

So does that like mean, I'm just screwed?

[HRoberson]

No I am not getting help for it. My mom is out of a job, my step dad is working 1/5 of what he use to work, and they stopped my SSI. So we can't really afford help for me, we'll probably end up living in a tent again, luckily it's getting warm out. My family isn't really religious, my mom is Christian, I'm sure. But she's the average American Christian, she believes, but doesn't care, no church, no prayer, just believes and that's it, she's got things to do such as... get money somehow. The only times I have been to a church really, was a few times with my dad a long time ago when we went there to get food and such, like the Salvation Army. Since we aren't religious, I'm sure that is why we are doing bad, I see it kinda often. Rich people being religious, poor people not as religious, it's funny, He's funny.  And no, I won't go to a church with my SA(Social Anxiety).

So does that like mean, I'm just screwed?

I don't expect that you'd go to a church with your anxiety, that's one of the reasons I asked if you were getting help for it. There is probably a federally-chartered community health center in your county somewhere. If they are federally-chartered, they can't turn you away for inability to pay. They may want to put you on medicaid if you qualify, but that's a good thing. In any event, if you can find one, you could get help there.

The problem with trying to "find God" while suffering from anxiety - depending on the type of anxiety - is that you may in fact make matters worse. So, it is likely sufficient to be wondering at the moment, and see if you can get some treatment for your anxiety.

No, you are not screwed.

[larry2]

Dear Ericisme, you make a statement below that belies much of what Christianity has come through even in our own country.

Rich people being religious, poor people not as religious

If you go to our history, the more man has been burdened, the more he went to God. Take the black slaves; the majority turned to Christ and just listen to the words of their beautiful songs to our Lord; online you can get them under Negro Spiritual Songs I think it is. They were on rock bottom, and had none other to help them.

When Egypt was enslaved they cried to the Lord, and were delivered. I still have the opinion that God is seriously working in your life at this time, and you might be the key to your family's believing. Even the Salvation Army was a help from the Lord. In any event I do pray for you and your family in this trial in your life. And you're no more screwed up than I was at your age. I was so rebellious I denied having dinner with our president and his wife I may post someday.

May God continue to show you grace in Jesus' name - larry2

[Ericisme]

No I am not getting help for it. My mom is out of a job, my step dad is working 1/5 of what he use to work, and they stopped my SSI. So we can't really afford help for me, we'll probably end up living in a tent again, luckily it's getting warm out. My family isn't really religious, my mom is Christian, I'm sure. But she's the average American Christian, she believes, but doesn't care, no church, no prayer, just believes and that's it, she's got things to do such as... get money somehow. The only times I have been to a church really, was a few times with my dad a long time ago when we went there to get food and such, like the Salvation Army. Since we aren't religious, I'm sure that is why we are doing bad, I see it kinda often. Rich people being religious, poor people not as religious, it's funny, He's funny.  And no, I won't go to a church with my SA(Social Anxiety).

So does that like mean, I'm just screwed?

I don't expect that you'd go to a church with your anxiety, that's one of the reasons I asked if you were getting help for it. There is probably a federally-chartered community health center in your county somewhere. If they are federally-chartered, they can't turn you away for inability to pay. They may want to put you on medicaid if you qualify, but that's a good thing. In any event, if you can find one, you could get help there.

The problem with trying to "find God" while suffering from anxiety - depending on the type of anxiety - is that you may in fact make matters worse. So, it is likely sufficient to be wondering at the moment, and see if you can get some treatment for your anxiety.

No, you are not screwed.

Eh...  I doubt there is one around here, even if there was I doubt I'd go to them for help. I'd probably have to tell my mom at some point, or she'll probably find out or maybe even need to know for me to get help there, which I don't like. I tell my mom nothing, she understands nothing, so if I tell her I'll get the most stupidest response from her, so I'll just shut up until I can move out of here. They aren't bad people, they are just stupid people. I'm trying to get my life together, but the only way they help is giving me food, shelter, and clothing, food that doesn't help me lose weight either, if anything they make me feel worse. I was planning on moving out of here with my SSI money and finding a roommate with SA to live with, cuz I'd hate to live by myself, my loneliness is actually getting worse recently, that would make it even worse.

Sure, I guess I have a lot of time to believe in him, maybe. I recently kinda nearly swallowed a bottle of pills, but I couldn't do it yet. It was for a reason too, not no God not letting me do it. Honestly, part of the reason was I didn't feel like ending my life already and it's THE END. I rot in the ground forever when I could possibly be living a life, so I didn't. So if my other reason fails me, then it could happen again and I could actually not fail this time, since I got sins, I'd go to Hell, even though I think suicide means you go to Hell anyways.

[HRoberson]

If you're of the age of majority in your state, or if you are old enough under the laws of your state to seek mental health help without parental approval, mom wouldn't need to know.

If you're in a county in the United States, there is probably a federally-chartered (I may be using the wrong word there). Because they are getting federal monies under that particular program, they have to see you.

Your other option is to wait and see if God will simply take the anxiety away.

Possible; not probable.

[Ericisme]

Couldn't find anything about it in my city. That's fine though, I'm sure I'll do fine without it anyways. I've posted on this and another Christian site(2 others that deleted my thread) and these are both helping me, even if a little. I don't think I'm as hostile toward it, which is better than nothing. I'm hoping if I talk some more to some Christians that it'll help me.  Thanks you guys, this went better than I thought.     

I'd love some more advice too, if there is anymore. lol  I honestly don't know much about the Bible and Christianity, except what I see on TV, which is poking fun at it usually.    So I'm gonna look up some stuff, maybe look over the quote things..

[Ericisme]

You know, maybe part of the reason why I can't believe in Him is because how He makes my life. It seems that if I think He's real, then that means I must actually be a bad person. If somebody thinks I deserve all of this, and it seems I'm even taking my family with me. I woke up and the ceiling was leaking above my head, then my mom and step dad argue about taking another loan out. We were already barely getting by, my mom was gonna use her college loan to refinance the house. But now seeing as we gotta fix the roof, we'll probably end up losing the house. Might even go homeless, again, luckily it's warming up though. I was gonna ask God to reveal Himself to me last night or whatever(people told me to try), but I actually forgot. If I would have actually have prayed and then wake up to the roof leaking, I'd have just completely dropped trying to believe and just wait to go to Hell, seeing as I deserved it then. Although, if that happened it probably would have made me believe, just in a bad way, I'd probably start praying to Satan before I pray to God if he punishes me so.

Well they were planning on going camping for a few days in a few months(they meaning I wasn't gonna come), but it seems we'll be camping out for months, again. I wouldn't be suprised if my step dad left my mom because he is sick of being dragged down with her and me and my brother doing nothing about it. I mean with my SA and being homeless, which most likely will be in a tent, that would be painful. I'd have no internet for a long time, so I'd probably just kill myself the moment that happens. I don't wanna go through that again, plus there is somebody online that I talk to, somebody that is the main reason why I didn't kill myself a long time ago. Then of course I finally feel like I can get my life together, I just got accepted into an online high school a week ago, starts in September. So I'd lose both of that, so my life would be over. -.-   Kinda annoying, huh?

[Howdyboyalan]

This is what I have been talking about in other threads. Someone comes here, and calls out for help. what does he get?

The second sentence is:

''His creation alone; for instance, things didn't just evolve from some big bang.''

This is not biblical, all this is trying to impress your beliefs, which are independant of christianity, on a vulnerable person.

Eric

If you want to know god, start with the teachings of jesus.  People can make jokes and mock religion etc etc because of various things. But who mocks jesus? Have you ever heard anyone mock the man?

I would guess you have not, why? Because you can see christians around saying one thing, telling you how to live your life, but not living that life themselves. They are hypocrites.  Jesus, taught people how to live good lives and he led a perfect life because of it

Just think what Jesus' teachings could do for you now in your current situation:

Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Lets think about this for a second. Psychology came into its own only last century. It took man thousands of years to work out what jesus said here.  When you stop living life fearful of the future, and accept god, you will be free of these pains. When you go out into the world with god in your heart, you can live your life without worry.  So no matter what it takes, overcome your anxiety and live for the momment.

He also has good teachings for your monetary situation:

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

did you ever walk down the street see a homeless person, pick him up, go into a store and buy him a sandwhich? Imagine if everyone did this.  You would have no monetary worries. Go volenteer helping the poor, teaching in deprived areas, whatever.

The more impact you have on peoples lives, the more they will remember you as a beacon of hope, regardless of your faith etc. Then they are more likely to help you when you are down on your luck.

But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.

Go to your local church, if they are true believers they will undoubtedly help you out. Then, when you are back on your feet, back to point 2, and give back what you have been given.

Any person who is active in their community develops confidence and makes friends.  Watch what happens if you go help someone in trouble, instead of just walking by, people will notice you and they will praise you. You will become a vessel of not only gods will, but of your own happiness.

[Ericisme]

Actually, I've seen a lot mocking Jesus, and lots of them are funny. xD

[Will Lee]

2 things to remember,
1...God gives the spirit of a sound mind. Thats His promise, and it is always kept, every time, without exception, and you dont have to earn it. It comes automatically with salvation.
2...Evey man has been given just enough faith to be saved, so everyone can be saved, period. Some cannot stop listening to thier own voice long enough to use that faith that they have been given. There is no way for an unbeliever to scientifically convince themselves of God, for it is hidden. That is why it is called faith. Pride is the blocking agent here that Satan tries to use to prevent people from accepting Christ.

One must humble themselves to God (repent is just another word for change thier mind, and accepts Gods mindset to do things Gods way)and just believe, and ask him to save them. At that point, God intervenes and gives you the spirit of a sound mind, and a million other things that we all need. Salvation is the first step. After that, the Spirit of God will dwell inside you, and that is power beyond words!

Its just that simple. Its so simple that many will miss it. They will not stop trying to use thier own minds to understand infinite God, and so they miss it. Repent (change of mind) and believe. Then ask God to save you (His name is Jesus Christ). He will not turn any away! It is free and eternal!

[Ericisme]

I'm a human, I don't understand #1.

[PhilipXVIII18]

                         The most important is what you have is what you most give important.


_________________

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[jayjester]

Ericisme
Thank you for sharing your burdens with us.  I hear that you are struggling, not only with faith, but with the world you are placed in, including yourself.
I pray that God can help enlighten both you and I to help you find the answers that you seek.
I won't preach to you on how to be good, or how not to be bad.  I can only help you find the truth.  The truth is that mankind is dark.  The world is cursed and terrible things happen in it.  But there is also hope.  God is the light.  To be a Christian means that we place our trust in God.  That Jesus Christ gave his very life to defeat the power of death.  He returned to life, by his own power.  His grace and mercy is what shelters and comforts us as Christians.  We do not need to fear death.
God is love.
That is the single most important thing I can share with you.  It is okay to have questions and doubts.  I have them as well.  I am glad to hear that you are open to hearing the Christian perspective.  Please don't get hung up on the evolution debate.  Arguing over creation and evolution will not help you with the real issues.  I know that it can be difficult to see God through all that is wrong in this world.
I will sum up with this.  God does care about you.  He desires to see us joyous with life.  Faith isn't about trying to be a good person, but it is accepting Gods mercy and grace.  Everything else is details that we like to ponder over, and sometimes have heated debates on.
I want you to stay with us, please.  There is hope.  There is help.  Trust me that I know how scary it is to actually consider suicide as an option.  I know how it seeds fear into every aspect of your life.  I know that God can help you conquer the self destruction.

[Cally]

Let me see if I can appeal to your sense of reason.

When you were a baby, did you know that the stove was hot? Did you know that you needed certain kinds of food? Did you know how to write? Did you know how to take care of youself? You had to learn things, did you not?

If you follow me so far, we know two things: there is a truth outside of our experience, and it is GOOD for us to learn those things that we do not know.

So what is the origin of that truth? This is a good question, when you consider that the more we learn, the better our lives are, yes? The more truth we get that comes from outside of us, the more we are within and are able to respond to outside things.

When we acknowledge this, we acknowledge our need for God--learning for that which is outside our understanding and our sight. God's most significant name is "I am." He also says, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." He is existence itself, not some being you physically track down--he's beyond that, so he is everywhere. He "appears" in many different ways, to us, and in some rare cases expresses himself with words.

The nature of faith means realizing, further, that there are needs BEYOND merely providing for our physical existence, which would be drawing you toward asking these kinds of questions, don't you agree? Your draw to sincerely ask, then, is actually proof of God--you have a need for something beyond "getting by," which some of us realize when we understand that this world does not produce meaningful returns. Only humans can do that, have that need, and can find fulfillment when God fills that space and gives that purpose beyond getting by in life. This realization comes on a lot of people in circumstances as difficult as yours, so in a sense, you might see God as having done you a favor for getting you interested in him.

No, God didn't "create" himself--he simply "is," and the one who makes other things "be."

[Amy]

I'm not sure if this will help you any, but one thing is that God is not something to be understood. There are some things about him that no matter how hard we try, we will never understand. That's why He is God and we are not.

So, I guess what I'm saying is: Keep in mind that you aren't alone when you don't understand something. Chances are there are many people out there who don't understand it either. And we all have something that we don't understand. No one knows everything.

What counts is that we at least TRY to understand and accept it even though we don't understand it. That's where the faith comes in. I have faith in God even when I don't fully understand him.

[walker starr]

Eric,when I was your age I thought very much like you are thinking;that there is no GOD,that things will never get any better for me,that I`d  be better off dead,etc..  NOW,62 years later, I look back and remember all the good times I`ve had and that I would have missed  if I had, as you have mentioned,killed myself.   I would have missed making acquaintance of my three sons and my two daughters.  what i`m trying to tell you is that there all sorts of wonderful possibility ahead of you that you would miss out on if you killed yourself now.  One additional thought,you cannot die until and unless GOD chooses for you to do so.  However,if you did make the attempt to take your own life and it wasn`t in accordance with GOD`S schedule you wouldn`t die but you could hurt your self so as to be forced to live out your life as a cripple and you have enough problems to overcome without that.  Pray,even if you don`t thinkyou know how, just talk to JESUS like you talk to us.  JESUS will answer in his own way; sometimes you will not be aware that he has answered sometimes you will, but JESUS always answers.  May GOD bless you and keep you. AMEN