Christian help: How do I find God?

Question

I was brought up in a Christain envirionment while growing up. Over time, I have lost faith in God due to extreme events that occurred in my life. I often find myself doubting God's existence. Also, I believe people have different interpretations of the bible. I see a lot of Christians, even my family members, constantly using God as a cop out and also to justify their behaviors. (That annoys me!) But, I look at family members, who have accepted God in their life, and they are so happy. I want to be like that.
Does anyone have any encouraging words or advice? (I've tried to go to church but I felt really uncomfortable. I just don't like other people's religious tactics forced on me. When Christians force their beliefs on me, I become more resistant. I really wish people would be more humble than forceful.)

Okay, it's evident that most people replying to my question are atheist. Do me a favor, if you don't believe in God, DON'T ANSWER!

Answer 1

God is in heaven.

You can prayer to God and he will answer your prayer.

I see that the devil has deceived you like he have deceived many with this same trick.

He wants us to blame God for every bad thing that happens to us so that we will lose our faith and trust in him. There by then we separate ourselves from God.
But I have news for you. The devil brings bad things to happen to us, also too, bad things happen to us because of bad decisions that we make.
I know this very too well.

One thing I will tell you is not to turn your back on God. Remember all the sweet things God did for you. Am sure he came through for you time and time again. He gives you breath, you prayer, and he came to your rescue.
God loves you with all his heart. You might have left God, but he has not let you.
Remember that first loved you once had for him.

As for family members and so on, that is not your calling. The Spirit will take care of them. The Bible says that we are suppose to work out our salvation for ourselves with fear and trembling.
When you come to face God, he is not going to ask you why have not made it to heaven? Why? Because we are suppose to make our own election sure.

As for people putting religious tactics, you can not be fool. You must know the Bible for yourself. If you find that someone is not following the Bible as it says, then you know that there is no light in them.

Am going to leave with you a website where you can watch on the internet and be blessed. This is no religious tactic. This is me having something that is a blessing and sharing it with others.
Besides you did ask for encouraging words, and know that what you heard will encourage you.

Let Jesus into your heart again.

God bless you.

Answer 2

My relationship with God is where it all started. All the people, churches, events, doctrine, and all that is hard to deal with first. Set your foundation first, then deal have God guide you through all that.

First I would start to pray. Ask God questions, and read the Bible. It will help you lay a foundation. Ask God what is the truth, and what you should believe. Don't accept things that just sound good to you, or what people tell you. Ask God yourself, and do your research and study.

Second, you need fellowship. I know you said church can be uncomfortable... but truthfully ANY group of people you are close to will sometimes be uncomfortable. That's just how we are, we're human! Families, jobs, school....etc. When is the last time you were around a bunch of people you liked all the time?? Sometimes they get on your nerves, and that's just human! But isolating from them isn't the answer. I'd get around some healthy and mature Christians, and allow yourself to be encouraged by them.

Do you have a mentor? I'd ask God for help in finding one. A pastor, older couple, etc. Someone who can pray for you, and bless you. Support helps you in times of struggle.

If you want to know more, email me. :-) God Bless!

Answer 3

Wow, I know exactly how you feel as I to have been through a lot of traumatic experiences and at one point started to lose my faith in God too. Honestly I don't know how to tell how to find God! I don't think you ever really lose him but get misguided in the mist of all the madness that occurs at times. My mother says at times God humbles you in different ways to bring you closer to him, so my thinking is may this is what is really going on with you and myself. I haven't given up or stopped believing in God and I don't think you have either, just more like I feel that the horrific things in our life's have us a little twisted on our faith. One thing I feel is that believing God it has to be whole hearted and not just when you want him back you up on insignificant irrelevant things. Well I'm sure it will all work out for you, so be strong and don't give up your faith.

Answer 4

I'm so glad you're NOT looking for religion but for God.

God is so faithful--he wants a relationship with you. You can't find God without first looking--and His word, the Bible is the best place to start. Begin to pray and ask God for direction.

You might consider a study bible for beginners or even teens or a paraphrased version with study guides. There are so many choices out there.

It took me a VERY long time to find a church I was comfortable with--I asked God to bring Christian women into my life that could encourage me in my faith. God really hooked me up with some lovely ladies who prayed for me and gave me different books to read and could answer questions I've had.

This process is called discipleship and I really think that is what is lacking in an enourmous amount of christian's lives who start out with God and then fall away. We all need other believers (not necessarily church) to encourage our growth and understanding of who we are in Christ.

So, to recap for everyone out there--seek GOD, not religion. Ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and be your savior. Pray that God will bring you into relationships that will be fruitful to mature you in your understanding of God. Read God's Word as often as you can (find a version of the Bible with study helps can also be a good thing)

Answer 5

I know what you're saying... People interpret the Bible according to their own understanding so, considering that their interpretation is only their opinion, they should express their views humbly, as an opinion, and not forcefully, as if everyone should believe their views.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, with living prophets restored to earth, and additional scripture (separate from the Bible) revealed from God to help us understand the Bible better.

Try it out and see how it makes you feel. I have been a member of this church my whole life, but I know people from other Christian churches who said that they never felt the Spirit until they came to this church.

Email me if you have questions, or go to http://www.mormon.org for a basic overview of our beliefs.

Other than that, listen to "still small voice"... pray, sing hymns (it's like praying with song) and strive to implement the teachings of Jesus Christ (eg Matthew 5, etc) into your life. When you live the Gospel, that is when it really makes you feel close to God.

xo Good luck!

Answer 6

Faith is a very personal thing, and there's no way that's gauranteed to work for anyone. My brother found his Faith precisely because of a series of personal tragedies (details of which he's never shared with us). I, myself, have no Faith, though, like you, I see how powerful it can be, and respect it.

Rather than going to Church, you might consider looking into Deism. Deists believe in God, but don't accept any particular religious dogmas. It sounds like you're half way there, already, and that it might be a philosophy that suits your open-minded nature.

Answer 7

Friend, never let anyone influnce you with your experince with God, You ask how do you find God, Friend God is not lost, you are, Therefore let God deal with your heart & when you know he is dealing with you, then ask him to forgive you of all your sins, & Through the blood of jesus Christ & God will forgive you, then be baptized in water by complete immursion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, & The promise of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is for you. But remember this is an experince between you & God, & not between you and any family member.

Answer 8

First, read the Bible.
Second, pray for guidance.
Third, go "church shopping." I doubt you will ever find a church that preaches exactly what you believe, but you should find one that you can be comfortable with. With the sheer number of denominations, and congregations within them, you should be able to find a "home."
And remember, congregations exist for fellowship, instruction, and worship.
Ultimately, you will have to develop your own relationship with God.

Answer 9

I wish people were perfect too, but they're not, so I guess you have to look to Christ for the example. Jesus did not teach us to use God as a cop out, nor did he force himself onto people. What you are looking for you can't find in the people around you, you can only find it in Jesus and that means that if you are really searching you will seek to have personal relationship with Him... through prayer (lots of talking) and studying his teachings in the Bible.

Answer 10

From the w96 1/15 Comfort and Encouragement:

Through a Personal Study of God’s Word

It is through a personal study of the Bible, though, that Jehovah’s qualities really unfold for us. The Bible repeatedly reveals Jehovah to be “a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness.” (Exodus 34:6; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 86:15) The desire to comfort his earthly servants is an intrinsic part of Jehovah’s personality.

Consider, for instance, Jehovah’s words at Isaiah 66:13: “Like a man whom his own mother keeps comforting, so I myself shall keep comforting you people.” Jehovah designed the mother’s love of her children to be self-sacrificing and loyal. If you have ever seen a loving mother comfort her injured child, you know what Jehovah means when he says that he will comfort his people.

Many Bible accounts show such comfort in action. When the prophet Elijah was threatened with death by wicked Queen Jezebel, he lost his courage and ran for his life. He was so despondent that he walked into the wilderness for a full day’s journey, evidently taking no water or supplies with him. In anguish Elijah told Jehovah that he wanted to die. (1 Kings 19:1-4) What did Jehovah do to comfort and encourage his prophet?

Jehovah did not rebuke Elijah for feeling alone, worthless, and afraid. On the contrary, the prophet heard “a calm, low voice.” (1 Kings 19:12) If you read 1 Kings chapter 19, you will notice how Jehovah comforted Elijah, soothed him, and built his faith. This comfort was not superficial. It went right to Elijah’s troubled heart, encouraging the prophet to carry on. (Compare Isaiah 40:1, 2.) Soon, he was back on the job.

Jesus Christ likewise comforts and encourages his loyal followers. In fact, Isaiah prophesied about the Messiah: “The Sovereign Lord Jehovah . . . has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, . . . to comfort all the mourning ones.” (Isaiah 61:1-3) During his lifetime, Jesus left no doubt that these words applied to him. (Luke 4:17-21) If you feel in need of comfort, meditate on Jesus’ gentle, loving dealings with people who were hurt and in need. Indeed, careful study of the Bible is a great source of comfort and encouragement.