hey, this question is for the Christians (obviously). I'm 18 and I really want to be closer to God. I'm saved, I go to church every sunday but i have an extremely short attention span so i never hear the sermon. i try to do devotionals in the evening. i suck at praying (well, i think so...). i can never think of anything to say to God. my sunday school teacher says to talk to God about everything and i do. but sometimes i feel like i'm holding back.
can someone please give me some advice on how to get closer to God? I dont feel as if I'm where i need to be with Him.
also, i've become very vain. is there a scripture in the Bible that says something about vanity?
thanks!
i would really appreciate it if those of you who are only going to tell me to give up and God doesnt exist to not answer this question. that is not the direction I'm trying to go in. but i guess i cant force you to not answer so whatever...
2007-11-04 13:39:53 · 35 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
wow! i'm lovin' these answers! they are very helpful. thank you so much! cant i choose more than one best answer?? lol!
2007-11-04 14:06:24 · update #1
As to vanity, "Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of the plaiting of the hair the wearing of gold or the putting on of apparel but let it be the inward man of the heart in that which is not corruptible." In other words, let your love for others and Christ in you be your adornment and not a pretty face with makeup or jewelry or fancy clothes. All of these things, and outward beauty, will eventually fade away, but a beautiful spirit filled with love of God will never fade. You should seek to look presentable, but it is the heart that shows one to be truly beautiful (or ugly). A woman who on the outside is beautiful but inside is hateful and vain and envious is an ugly woman. But even a "plain Jane" who loves God and lets Him shine in her life is a beautiful woman, and I've know both varieties.
As to getting closer to God, you have to seek Him. You say you don't know how to pray, but you come here to seek how to do so. Ask God to teach you. He will. Talk to Him like you would talk to your earthly father. Tell Him what's bothering you, what you want, what you think of Him. Read your Bible to learn more about Him. Get interested in Him. I'm pretty sure if you were at a concert of your favorite musical group you'd have no trouble paying attention. Get that excited about God. He IS terribly exciting, and you will be so filled with love for Him when you start to see His working in your life.
If you're feeling separated from God, it's probably because you are keeping Him from getting close to you. He's always there and always waiting for you to come to Him. So go.
2007-11-04 13:52:23 · answer #1 · answered by Steve 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Don't let it worry you if someone says God isn't real. That doesn't change the diety of God one bit. Being a Christian is a lifelong journey of growth in becoming closer to God. You talk to your friends about your problems and your victories. Since God is your best friend you can talk to Him the same way. Thank Him for all He has done for you. Thank Him for Jesus. Ask Him to lead you. He will send angels to guard you. There is nothing people can do to you that can keep you from the love of God. Ask God to take your vanity and to remind you when you stumble. Mother Teresa said once that most of the time when she prays, she says nothing but just listens with her heart to what God has to say to you. You will find through the years that there is always something new that you will understand as you study the scriptures. You will have all the troubles that everyone else has but when you are weak, God is strong and He gives you the strength to work through whatever problem you have. It's a journey and it will end when you stand in the very presence of God. You have chosen the only way of life that is worth living. Don't let anyone or anything stand in the way of your living a Godly life as you walk with Jesus.
2007-11-04 13:52:33 · answer #2 · answered by missingora 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Greetings, i'm glade to hearken to that you've self assurance in God and also you're an adolescent contained in the land the position more advantageous than 3/4 of the inhabitants have self assurance contained in the booze and one evening stand, i really congratulate your mum and dad. My suggestion is to continuously search for understanding and keep your senses from the invasion of the viruses that make the heart ill and God keen you'd be closer. God bless sister female.
2016-10-23 10:09:59 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let me start off by saying, nobody sucks at praying. Be respectful, you are talking to God. And tell Him how you're feeling, He knows and understands.
If you're having trouble listening to sermons, take notes. Write how you're feeling, or if the person speaking said something you like, write it down.
As for vanity, it's written about all through Ecclesiastes, specifically chapter two.
On a side note, the majority of non-Christians also believe in God. Share His love.
2007-11-04 13:48:27 · answer #4 · answered by sarahmcb 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hi
Don't put yourself down, the reason why you drift away during sermons is because the person speaking does not make the material relate to you and your life.
Our church had the one minister whose head reminded me of a bird. I would sit in the pew determined to pay attention, but before I knew it it my mind was far, far away.
I have listened to a great many Pastors, Reverends, Bishops, etc. They preach the Word and are devoted servants of God. I am not trying to put them down at all because they are relating to people during service, but not to you and people of your age group.
They speak of things that pertain to older folks.
Your life deals with 'T-Pain', 'Ne-Yo', 'Gucci Mane' and those Leopard Print pumps by Baby Phat. Things of that nature. Sounds like your Church could really use a youth ministry. That way you young adults can get together and discuss issues that relate to your world. I don't know your religion, but most major church denominations should have some kind of youth studies. Talk to your pastor about it.
I struggled with praying to God also. I, too felt like I was holding back. It wasn't that I was holding back, but more like I was just going through the motions. It will feel like that for a while just don't give up. Keep on talking to God - Don't forget to thank him for all he has done for you. As you learn more about God you will have more to talk to Him about. Just like with any other relationship.
Bible verses on vanity:
Psalm 39:6
Proverbs 31:30
Deuteronomy 8:17-20
Hope this helps
God Bless you
2007-11-04 14:44:07 · answer #5 · answered by Darlene W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dear Teenager: I was one like you long time ago. What I have learned is this: You talk to the Lord Jesus Christ just like the 12 Apostles talked to Him.
The only difference is that they saw Him with their physical eyes; we see Him with our SPIRITUAL eyes because Jesus is not physically with us.
You say you are born again. Please tell me what you understand by being Born Again.
I ask it because many THINK they are BA while they are not.
A clear indication of it is in Matthew chapter 13.
They asked whether to uproot the tares. He said: Don't, because you do not know what is wheat and what is tares until harvest time. Only the "fruit" (grain) told them the difference.
Now that was a parable. The lesson is this: Nobody knows for sure who is born again and who is not. Only at the time of the RAPTURE (1st Thessalonians 4:16 to 18) that the people left behind will know who was really Born Again, because the non-born again human beings will be left behind while the BA Christians go up. The BA Christians will have nothing to worry about because they are with Jesus Christ. Read also John 14: 1-3 the promise of Jesus Christ to take the true believers (BA ones) to heaven.
2007-11-04 14:58:00 · answer #6 · answered by welikandy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
here is a scripture that i hope will help you Romans 8:26 for we know not what we should to pray as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.In the book of John the 15 & 16 th chapters Jesus also taught the disciples about the Holy Spirit read those passages and you will see the importance of having the Holy Spirit . Worship also brings you into a closer relationship with the father but you need the Holy Spirit in order to praise Him. Bible says that they that worship God must worship Him in Spirit and in truth it also says that God inhabits the praise of His people. So praise, Him Thank Worship Him and I promise He will come to you .There is a verse of scripture that says if we draw near to Him He will draw to us.Also read in the book of Acts where the Holy Spirit First showed up and filled the people of God . Believe me He wants to be closer to you more than you want to be closer to Him.Best Wishes>>
2007-11-04 14:30:58 · answer #7 · answered by Man of Arms 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way to become closer to God is to read His Word daily. Don't stop reading it. Get into some Bible studies. Bible prophecy is sooooo interesting, have you done any studying in this area? Talk to your Pastor, or youth pastor or leader. They can help you out also. Get together with some other Christian Teens, and maybe plan to have "Teen Talk Night" or something, or maybe "Teen Movie Night" Get involved with helping others. I find if I'm helping someone less fortunate than myself, that my focus is not on myself so much. You must learn to lose yourself, and put your focus on the Lord and His work.
The Bible talks about humbling ourselves before the Lord. We must lose ourselves to find God. Hope this helps. God Bless!
2007-11-04 13:53:19 · answer #8 · answered by byHisgrace 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sister whatever you do , dont give up. No one said being a Christian is going to be a cake walk. If they do they are lieing to you. Problems you are experiencing are common to Christians and you will have to overcome them. Stay the course, read your bible, practice concentrating on the sermon, practice praying. Ask God to help you. if you are sincere in your quest to get closer to God, I guarantee you will be successful. Jesus said that all that come to him he will in no wise cast out. That includes you. Seek him with all your heart and you will find him! Paul said the prize goes to them that finish ,not to them that just start the race. Keep running sister, keep running and you will finish the race. Dont ever quit. I will be praying for you. God bless
2007-11-04 13:55:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I talk to God like He is my close personal friend, my father and I am glad He knows me like noone else so I have nothing to hid.
Pray and ask God to help you focus on church and reading the bible and not to let you get distracted.
You can always find things to pray about... how about people who dont know Him, thank Him for everything,and ask Him to help you become a testimony. Let God lead you and just be willing. Remember trials and tests come along with blessings so be faithful .
Its okay to enjoy being good looking as long as you act and dress accordingly. Brains and a Good heart are important too.
2007-11-04 13:53:02 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋