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help
HEY! i really need some help. ok well, how do i get closer to god? i mean.....i dont feel close to him AT ALL. i belive in him and everything but.....i just dont know what all he wants from me. can you help?
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Maybe give some free advice about: Spirituality?
Wow, you've just asked the single toughest question in the world.
Really.
I know how hard it is to be distant from God. I've had a few periods in my life, one that was only a few weeks ago, where I felt like I had no purpose or meaning in the universe; like God didn't love me. But eventually, something would always pull me out.
However, there are a few things that you can do to find Him (or Her) again.
First off, pray regularly. I don't mean canned prayers that you read out of a book or memorize, either... Talk to God, like you would talk to your mom or dad. Tell Him about your life, what you want, what you're afraid of. Ask Him questions, but don't expect immediate, or clear answers. If you want to be close to God, you have to let him get close to you.
Second, be careful if you try to pick a church. Don't let it suck up your life, or jump in head first. Listen to what they're saying. Is it logical as well as uplifting? Are they after excessive tithes?
Third, think about your life. Think about why you're here, who you are, what your purpose is. It will hurt. It's very painful to reflect on... and this is very trite, but God helps those who help themselves. I've found that if I reflect on a problem enough, God will nudge me in the right direction, and let me find the answer myself. Just be vigilant and persistent, but open-minded.
Fourth, talk to a wide variety of people you trust. Make sure you talk to your parents, unless they're unapproachable about religion... but try to get a variety of opinions. Talk to pastors and lay ministers, random people you iknow, about faith. Try to get a lot of different religions, even talk to a few atheists. They will try to convert you, but the point is to get ideas that you can agree with, disagree with, or use as springing points. Really explore faith in general, as well as specific ones.
And finally, follow your heart. God finds the strangest ways to guide us, and one of the strongest ones is our own feelings. Go with your gut instinct, and God will eventually guide you to something meaningful that you can use to create your own purpose... or guide you to what you need to pull through a hard time. I mean, He's shown me the way through my choices of VIDEO GAMES, of all things. Just listen to your heart, and you'll find the way.
One final note--don't expect instant results. Faith is an excercize in patience, and it hurts to wait for a sign... But it's worth it. Trust me, in the end it's all worth it.
I know it's rough to struggle with your faith. If you ever want to talk about religion, life, or anything, you can find my contact information on my column, and I'm sure there are countless others around here who'd be glad to help. You can even ask me another question.
But remember... God can give you nudges in the right direction, Himself or through others, but when it's time to do what you have to do, the choice is yours. You have to decide to make whatever difference you are called to, and you have to decide to accept whatever purpose you may serve. The choice is yours... but listen for His voice, and be patient, and He will tell you what he wants you to do.
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