Each Christian is probably going to go through a time in their lives where things seem pretty tough. New christians this often occurs as the initial "high" (if I dare call it that) wears down and we come face-to-face with the "awsomeness of being human". Please let me reasure you that this is a perfectly normal experience.
1) PERSONALITY: Some people are prone to doubt.
"And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted." (Matthew 28:17)
2) THE PAST: People are complex beings who have leant and grown from every experience - sometimes these can have positive impacts upon us while sometimes their consequence can be negative.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
3) MEDICAL CAUSES: Often people experience chemical imbalances in thier brains (which can then in turn alter the way they think and affect thier relationship with God as there is a vital connection between the brain and soul).
"A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22) 4) PHYSICAL CAUSES: A lack of sleep, lack of exercise or poor diet, etc. can all result in someone experiencing feelings of doubt and spiritual isolation.
"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me." (Psalm 3:5)
5) STRESSFUL CAUSES: When we have too much going on and our mind is full of worry (exams? job? relationships? etc.)
Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light."(Matthew 11:28-30)
6) THEOLOGICAL CAUSES: Sometimes Christians, especially those who are new in the faith, have a poor understanding of who God is and as such we may assume things about Him that are not true.
"Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it." (1 Cor 3:1-2)
7) SINFUL CAUSES: Sometimes the reason that Christians may feel distant from God is due to a specific sin that they are living with. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:7–8).
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).
Isn't it encouraging to think of JUST HOW MUCH God LOVES YOU -- he is a forgiving God who is patient with his children.
Thank you Little Princess this has really help me through this doubting period I seem to be going through today!
I like this a lot - just think of how many of those points apply to your life at the moment! Are you going to church at 10:30 tomorrow? If you are then we will see you there :o)
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