Delve Into Jesus : Questions : I Feel So Empty..

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Hello there, friend, "Doubt" is not of God I was experiencing some feelings of condemnation myself a couple of weeks ago. But it is our Father's utmost desire for you to know and understand the depth of His love for you. Stand on God's Word, say it aloud, believe it ,and let nothing make you think you are forsaken! It is written: "I will not in any way fail you nor give you up, nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless, nor forsake, nor let you down (relax My hold on you!) Assuredly not!" Heb. 13:5(AMP)

*Jesus said, "....the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God." John 16:27 (NIV)

*Jesus knew (was fully aware) that the time had come for Him to leave this world and return to the Father. And as He had loved those who were His own in the world, He loved them to the last and to the highest degree. John 13:1 (AMP)

* I have loved you, just as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love continue in His love with Me. John 15:9 (AMP)

Jesus did not refuse any humble sinners, self-righteous religious leaders, He rebuked.... but the repentent sinner is who He came to redeem, it was His whole purpose for even giving up all glory, dignity, and, rightful priveleges to be as one of us. So we could see, hear, and understand His love for us. I wanted to include an excerpt from DEAR JESUS: author: Sarah Young-Her writing's are devotional's that the Lord has spoken to her in times of prayer, so the following is coming from the perspective of Jesus as the Holy Spirit spoke to Sarah:
I not only accept you as you are, I love you as you are. I died a criminal's death so I could adorn you with My own perfection. That's why bringing your thoughts and concerns to me is important: it is My perfect righteousness that saves you, and it will never be taken away from you! You can easily fall prey to self-rejection if you have unrealistic expectations for yourself. I want you to bring your focus back to Me gently: without judging yourself. Instead of engaging in such hurtful activity--putting yourself down--persisit in returning your thoughts to Me. I always welcome you back with unfailing love. Remember you are constantly clothed in My robe of righteousness. I have no illusions about what lies beneath that pristine garment of salvation. Nonetheless, I take great delight in you; I even rejoice over you with singing. Open yourself to My unfailing Love. Talk to Me about whatever is bothering you. Experience your pain in the Light of My loving Presence. In that brilliant Light you can see your misery more clearly for what it is, but do not despair. Continue looking at your woeful condition, while resting in the knowledge and assurance of My Love. What you most feared to expose is no match for the Power of My radient Presence. Entrust yourself into my capable care, asking Me ot transform you according to My plans for you. Collaborate with Me as I work on soothing and renewing you from the inside out.

The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

I hope something in this has been helpful to you....Faith grows and becomes sturdy by the realization that God's word is REAL, ALIVE, and RELEVANT. Speak it aloud until you believe it in your heart, ask the Holy Spirit to help you and wait at His feet in earnest prayer. Music often soothes the soul if you have a chance to I would reccomend listening to "Worth it all" by FFH. Yes, Jesus still loves you, and if you think you might have a hard heart ask for him to soften it to submit to His voice. Peace of our Lord settle in your heart. Love in Christ!

anonymous- 3/16/2008 3:06:01 AM

Thanks so much for your question. If you browse through the prayer requests and forum, you will see that this issue comes up frequently. It may give you some comfort to know that you are not alone - many of us struggle with this from time to time, in some cases, for years at a time.

What I can promise you is that no matter what you feel, God DOES love you, he has NOT forsaken you and He does hear you when you pray. Those things never change, no matter what you do.

There is no question that when you don't feel close to God and cannot feel His presence, worship is more difficult. Yet, as hard as it may be, during those times, the way in which you worship should not change. Continue to pray, worship, praise Him, thank Him and read scripture often. As I said, it's hard to do those things during this difficult time, but they are more important than ever. Remember that God doesn't call us to "feel" anything, he calls us to serve Him, worship Him and to obey Him. We can do those things even when it's hard and we don't feel like it.

There are some ways to break out of the funk of not feeling close to God, and I hope one or more of these will make a difference for you. Music can be a great one - give yourself some peace and quiet and put in your favorite worship album. If you are musical, sing or write a song. Spend some quiet time with God alone in the outdoors - take a long walk or drive in the country and do nothing during that time but talk to God. Don't worry if you feel like you're talking to yourself - he hears you. If you have the means, get away from your daily life, take a vacation and dedicate it to reconnecting with God.

Eventually, if you remain faithful to the things God asks of you, your situations will get better. Don't give up! Remember that nothing is more important than your relationship with Him, so pursue it passionately no matter what.

Please know that all of us here care about you and want to help, so if you need anything at all (even an ear or a shoulder) please don't ever hesitate to contact us.

arsindelve- 3/17/2008 11:53:22 AM

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