Christian Support Group Community Group
This is a place for everyone who loves Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior (or those who are seeking Him), to come and discuss important issues in their lives and find support from fellow believers in regards to their faith and life. We uphold the Bible and living a Christ-like life, not as a way to heaven, but as a reflection of our love for God.
In the past few months, I've had many mental situations in which I endlessly combine reasoning of my own conscience, the word of God, and the corruption of Satan, only bringing about inaction and depression. My true intention is to live according to God's word. However, I often have trouble distinguishing it from my own word or even for something that appears to be God's will but in fact is a trap set by Satan to ruin me. This causes me discouragement, such that I feel that when I read God's word, I cannot know the truth because I may be denying it in my mind without even knowing it, and when I pray sometimes I feel like i'm lying to God because I have so many answers, and one of them might be the right one. Lately I've been trying hard to rein in my own understanding, as well as ferret out lies of Satan trying to turn me away. How can I be sure that I am acting in accordance with God's will, not by a lie, or by my own understanding?
Do you have a good church and pastor? Maybe you need an accountability partner. You can share with confidence and that person can mentor you and direct you. The body of Christ is a "body" and you need a body to help you. Another godly man who you can touch bases with, and talk about the issues which are haunting you.
Sometimes we like to rationalize our actions, but if they are contrary to God, then they are wrong. Another idea is to keep a journal. Write down what you think God is saying. Then look up scriptures and see what God says. As far as which one is the RIGHT answer, God may have more than one way of dealing with a situation. So long as they obey him, I don't think you can go too far wrong.
If it concerns something that is not in the Bible, like buying stocks in the hope of making money, think about greed. If it is something like selling everything and giving it to a false prophet, as many just did, find where it says in the Bible you are to do this. The Bible tells us to "occupy" till he comes.
Luke 19:12-13 "He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come."
And remember that it is a process. There is no perfection this side of the grave. Can God develop your character to become more like him through the decision? Because if not, I doubt you have the right answer. Always put God first, seek him and you will find him
Try to follow the Golden Rule, "Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself." That encompasses a lot of what Jesus said. Don't beat yourself up if you mess up, just turn right back to Jesus, apologize, and try again. He judges our hearts more than our successes or failures. : ) Judy
Also, this was covered in a similar thread on this board called "Deceived Again." I think that thread might help you also. There is a lot of scripture posted there, so I won't repost. ; )
I really like the idea that the more time we spend With God and In His Word, the more we know his character, and then, the more we know when we are hearing from him. Hope that helps somewhat.
This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. I am a very analytical person and I am always needing to know the "why " of things, but Satan can use that against us when we begin to apply our understanding instead of trusting God. This is why we have faith.
Sometimes when I try to study by Bible or pray I get muddled thinking and I know it's just the enemy trying to distract me so I ask right then in there for the Holy Spirit to quiet my thoughts and help me concentrate. One way I have learned to distinguish good from evil is by knowing the chartacter of God. Does the thought, circumstance, action come from a place of love? Then it's not God. 1John 4:8b "God is love". If what you are hearing, feeling or seeing is not based in love, then it's either you or Satan.
You have some great advice here. I would also recommend you start your prayer with "Jesus, please still my mind and give me focus". When you find yourself confused, simply say "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus" until you feel calmer. If you continue having difficulty you may benefit from a meeting with your local pastor or a spiritual counciller. Remember, God knows your heart and you have the advantage of the Holy Spirit to interpret your prayers so they don't have to be perfect. Peace be with you.