hi,

I feel a bit stupid asking this. I stopped going to church when I had bad expierences at school and other stuff too.
God just didnt make sense anymore, why would he let me suffer like this?
So I stopped going to church and praying (I used to pray everynight before bed) now I dont really pray.
I want to love God but im not sure how I should (I hope you get what I mean I am so rubbish at explaining things)
Thanks Jack

Jesushelper76

Okay, you need to realize that bad experiences happen and our preception of this is different from Gods. For example, many tough experiences in life. Things we go through actually break us down but we get built up even stronger in the long run because of those rough times. Do you know what I am saying. You heard of the potter. The potter is the builder. If he is not happy, or just wants to build something better what does he do? He breaks it down to rebuilt it even better.

Your looking to reach out to God again. Pray to him. He is loving and caring and he will lift you up and hold you in his arms. All you have to do is pray to him. It does not have to involve anybody just YOU AND GOD. It is time to rebuild your relationship with God and prayer and reading your bible will help you get started. I hope I did get what you mean and hope whatever is said in these posts by me and others help you get back to loving God.

Joe

Jack2794

Well when I stopped going to church I sort of told myself he didnt exist, but now I believe in him im just not sure if I want to know him..if you know what I mean

Jack2794

thanks Joe, you did understand what I was saying, thank you for your help because I do want to get closer to God and get my beliefs back on track

firmbeliever

Sorry about my first question(I have deleted the question as it maybe irrelevant)
I missed the bit about church in your question.

I am of a different faith, so maybe someone else will help.

mountain_man

I agree with Joe as well and would just encourage you to read through the book of James and maybe spend extra time studying the first chapter. If you persevere you will see light through your trials. hang tight and know that God is with you every step of the way. It doesn't say in the Psalms that the Lord will prevent bad things from happening to you it says "though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death Lord you are with me (paraphrase)" He is also strong enough and big enough for you to tell Him anything in anyway you need to (scream, etc) or let Him bare any burden you have. God bless.

Jack2794

ok Firmbeliever, thank you for trying to help anyway.

Wangdoodle

You have received some great advice in this matter. I would just add that youre situation is not unusual. Many people go through ups and downs in their walk with God. So, you shouldn't "feel a bit stupid" asking any thing about how to reach out to God.

paletta

Faith should not be blind belief, Jack. That’s the difference from the religious man to the spiritual one. To question everything is the best thing to do in the process of enlightenment. To regularly be in a church or temple is really not a pre-requisite for a spiritual life, too.

Be free, Jack. Don’t blame yourself if you have faith or not. It doesn’t matter, anyway. Just live your live as harmonious as is could be, love yourself, your family, your whole planet.

Be free, nothing but free, don’t worry about it, and sooner or later you will discover that faith is not a belief in something or someone, but conscience and presence.

Marily

The Lord says that if we search for Him with all our hearts that we will find Him. So my best bet is to pray and ask Jesus to restore