No matter how hard I try to believe in God, I....?

Question

I just can't. I've worn crosses, I've been to church, I've been to youth group, I've talked about him daily, I've prayed, I've asked for help, I've read the bible numerous times..

But no matter ALL of this I can't seem to believe in him. I would love to, I adore the idea of a higher being. But no matter how hard I try to believe it just never works.

Anyone know why? Or feel the same way?

Answer 1

Try Scientific and rational thought.

Scientific Proof of God – The Evidence
What evidence exists that could prove the existence or non-existence of God? Does God exist?

First, the non-existence of God cannot be proven. One cannot prove a universal negative. Alternatively, the existence of God is provable.


The concept, design, and intricate details of our world necessitate an intelligent designer.


Both direct and indirect evidence for God’s existence are well known and well documented. Nothing in history is better known or better documented than the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We even use the year of His birth as the basis for our calendar. He perfectly matched the over 100 unique Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament regarding His birth, life, death, and resurrection. The laws of probability cannot give us a reasonable explanation for either the Messianic predictions or the resurrection, let alone both by the same person.

Jesus’ miracles were witnessed by many and were documented redundantly for additional corroboration. He was seen by at least 500 people after His resurrection. He was seen ascending into heaven. His transfiguration was seen by Peter, James, and John. His wisdom in dealing with many circumstances was astounding. He never promoted Himself or His miracles. C. S. Lewis stated that He couldn’t have just been a good teacher. He was either a liar, lunatic, or Lord. He didn’t even come close to meeting the profile of a liar or lunatic, so He had to be God.


Jesus Christ also supported the truth of the Old Testament and quoted it many times. Consequently, with Jesus Christ, we have an eyewitness to the truth of the Old Testament. This gives credibility to the creation account and God’s interaction with man. The entire Old Testament account is about how God is trying to have a relationship with man while man is separating himself from God by sin. It tells how God is long-suffering and merciful and ultimately how God sent His Son to die for our sins so God could ultimately have a relationship with us.

God’s interaction with man in the Old Testament was often and powerful. Some of the main interactions included Adam, Cain, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, the Israelites, the prophets, and the kings. In addition to Jesus’ testimony to the truth of the Old Testament, ancient manuscripts, archaeology, and internal consistency also testify to its truth. Consequently, much direct evidence including eyewitness accounts and indirect evidence corroborate the existence of God and the truth of the Bible.

Answer 2

you sound a lot like me. I have gone through this for decades. Like you, I read the Bible -- actually three different versions side by side. I obtained copies in Greek and in Hebrew and several concordances. I met privately with numerous ministers and scholars. In the end, it's not something you find them go, "yes, now I believe!" Rather, you have to decide what you feel inside of you. For me, I was able to obtain enough evidence in my opinion to support the idea of Jesus. But I am unlike any other so-called Christian. Just because some aspects of the Bible have been proven through archaeology, disapprove all aspects of the Bible. But, there are a great number of non-Christian-based records to support evidence that Jesus did exist. Dating in comparison other known records show that certain parts of the Bible remained consistent exactly from a timeframe in which the author was likely an actual witness to the person Jesus. In that I find a lot to the rest of the Bible questionable in terms of been evidence of "God", I can also say that the book of Matthew is the one that was shown to be as indicated above supported by previous writings from the Dead Sea Scrolls. If you look at what that one book says, and only that, you get a much different picture of what Jesus was about than a few casting of within the scope of all the other very writings in the Bible.

So I'm not trying to convince you of my beliefs, but rather give you some idea of how I eventually landed on what I believe. I can definitely tell you, people are perspective -- not only was I very unpopular in the churches attended -- although the ministers like me the congregations had issues with my views and believed it important that they pressed their views on me -- but this difference also lead to a divorce in which my ex demanded a change how I believe or else. So, the only truth for you is that what you discover yourself, and you have to do so regardless of others. Only you can decide what you believe!

Answer 3

One thing that was told to me was that you have to surround yourself with other people that have faith like you do. Praying, going to church, blah blah blah is all good but when a trial come who will be there to support you? Of course God, but you also want some friends with the same kind of faith like you do. & also you say that you've been to youth groups, going to youth groups is NOT the same as having a home church and a PASTOR that you are submitted to.

You say you've worn crosses? What does that have to do with being a Christian & believing in God? You also say that you have read the bible numerous times? Thats not the same as diligently seeking him meaning STUDYING the word. Taking a passage or even just a scripture and dissecting it.

Try again & try something different.

Answer 4

The definition of Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. I think that is what weemaryann was trying to say.

Believeing in God does take Faith. Faith is the ability to believe blindly that what you are told is the Truth. The problem is that many people, like my self, are scientifically minded. Meaning they need proof. Hardcore, incontravertible PROOF. Unfortunatly, there really isn't any that I have found.

I feel the same as you. I tried and tried to no avail. I'm still searching. Delving into other religions, finding pieces of truth that I hope will lead to a whole truth.

I wish you the best on your search.

Answer 5

It is difficult to believe in God, but that is what faith is. Its believing in something you can't see. I was where you were before, but I am no longer there. One thing that helped me is researching the bible, what it says, then looking at history to prove it right.

There is a really, really good series called, "Faith Lessons" by Ray Vander Laan. He is a historian who takes people on tours of alot of major places in the bible and shows how history shows what the bible says. If you want me to, I can send a few chapters of it. (It will take me a while to do, but if you wish I can do so)

Think of the beginning of time. Where did it come from? The big bang? Where did that come from? A ball of energy? Where did that come from? Disproving the whole big bang theory, regardless of how you look at it, something started somewhere.

What about the idea that its taken billions of years to evolve into who we are now. What about the "inbetween" versions of us? There should be billions of skeletons that prove it. But there isnt.

Or, the idea that this earth was desolate till a meteorite hit it and carried life from another planet. How did it survive space, the travel, the atmospher, how did it know what to do when it got here, and how come we as humans are made up of completely of this earth? That throws that theory out the door.

So if the big theories aren't right, where did we come from?

The bible states God made us. He created us, gave us a spirit, and gave us rule over the earth. History shows that we just appeared. Everything shows we just appeared, even non biblical basis. So, how did that happen?

It also says in the bible that many will fall from faith in the end times, which I am 100% positive we are in now. I have studied Revelations, and soon Daniel, and read other prophecies of the return of Jesus, and all the minor things have happened, or are happening currently.

Earthquakes all over the planet, (302 in the past 30 days registered over 4.0), anti-christs/false prophets, (theres a religion in Mexico where the leader says he is the second Jesus, and theres almost 2 million followers. Famines, (about 80% of the world is at poverty level, so about 5billion.) Wars and rumors of wars. Look at Iraq, Iran, Afghanastan, Israel, Russia, Syria, Korea, China, USA, etc., they are all in battle or swearing to go into battle. Plaques across the earth. Look at the events and diseases. The Gospel is also preached throughout the world in every nation, as Jesus stated.

Everyone will be shown a sign before its too late. But when you see the sign that I am speaking of, you will have to endure 7 years of the worst time in history. Watch Israel and Russia, they are one of the next big events to happen.

If the US attacks Iran, Russia will attack Israel, but God will supernaturally destroy and stop the attack with fire from the sky. The rapture may happen after or before this point. It doesn't give great deal on this. But, The attempted attack on Russia will be the start of the end. Just remember to look to God when this happens. For about 3 1/2 years after this, it will be half way easy to live, (Don't take the mark, probably a computer chip of somesort, otherwise you will have sealed your fate, but without it, life will be hard too), with random events that will be insane, like 1/3rd of the things in the sea dying. Then the 3 1/2 after will be hell on earth, literally. The anti Christ will kill Christians and bring many away from God. The different plagues and wraths unleashed from heaven will pretty much destroy the earth, including an earthquake that will wipe out every island and mountain in the world.

Answer 6

Ok, everybody goes through this: It's a test of faith. Don't feel bad. It happens to most people. Try to think about God logically. If he didn't exist (HA!), how could the world be created in the first place. You could believe what Scientists believe, and say that it all evolved from one single cell, or somehow combusted from various materials.
But, who created that first cell?
Who created these materials for combustion?
See, there is no way to disprove God.
Then, there are those people who believe each person has their own God, but then who created the Earth itself?
See, there HAS to be a God.
The reason that you should honor Him, though is because he tells you to... How?
Well, the Holy Spirit spoke throught the Prophets in the Old Testament...ok, but how do we know that?
...Because they came true. The New Testament is not made up. It is written by people who have SEEN this man that we call Jesus Christ. They believed He was God, and were in complete awe of what He was capable of doing.
How do we know He is God, though?
...Becuase this man Jesus Christ tells us so.
And, if he wasn't, then how could He have performed all those miracles?
Only one way, my friend: God.
That is why we must believe EVERYTHING he has ever said in the New Testament (true accounts).
That's where all the Catholic Sacraments come from.
Now, the Old Testament story of Adam & Eve could be true, but it is not meant to be a HISTORICAL ACCOUNT. Basically, all you MUST believe is that God created the Earth, and that WE screwed it up through sin.
Hope I could help you!
God bless, and Merry Christmas.
Peace Out.

Answer 7

You are trying to hard.... you can't force faith, it comes to you as a gift. But you must allow your self to accept it...You have done many of the correct things, but faith isn't like making a cake where you follow a recipe and get the same results.... and it does take a bit of surrendering your will to God..... The best thing that you did is pray, but you still need to be willing to accept the answer, not your preconceived notion of what that answer should be.

Answer 8

I don't know if this helps...and I'm sure it will not be popular with the atheists or the fundamentalists out there, so I don't think this will be voted as popular...

But when I worked as a substance abuse counselor, on of the kids was worried about not having a higher power that is the first step in most recovery programs. I asked this young man if I could set up an introduction would he be up for it...I said it matter of factly and he said yes.

I took him outside...and told him to try to do what I ask him to do. I told him to look around...over sensitize yourself to the beauty around you. Soak it in, savor it. Textures, colors, scents, sounds, all of it. I though this adolescent would be to tough to follow through...but he picked the sky. I saw him drink it all in and his face kinda softned and opened as he appreciated the simple beauty of a partially cloudy day. After a few minutes the boy said "Now What?" I said "Love it" and he nodded with a smile.."Now" I said "Look at that feeling of Love...do you feel like you are loving something/someone...or being loved By something/someone?"

I didn't expect his reaction...his eyes rimmed with tears. He asked is this God? I told him it was worth finding out for himself...but to me it is.

Answer 9

A relationship with God, in order to come to God, you must believe that He is.
It doesn't work the other way arround.
You can try to do your best, but unless you BELIEVE that God is, and say aloud, to yourself, and inside of your heart that God is real, and you'll do anything to seek Him with all your heart, all your soul and everything within you, then it's impossible of missing God.

The proof comes only when you will give God a best shot, and say : Ok, God; surprise me! I don't know You, but I am willing to try and see how you will prove yourself to me".
This is not THE way to do it, no,
everyone's different, but if you want to believe in God,
why not spend time and be true to God.
Tell him in truth about your feelings, thoughts, and tell him you really are willing to learn to know Him.

God most probably will not show himself to people who're not really willing, but you got to make the small step of saying:"Ok, let's try believing".
If it don't work for you, and you've tried it, and are 100% sure you did what you could, then just leave it. You can always go back.
But if it works, then you have gained the most wonderfull journey in your lifetime!

Remember, that you can't lie to your own soul. You can tell me, your best friends, and your family you tried all there is to try, but only you yourself know best if that's really the truth or not.

God says: "seek, and you shall find,"
"Knock and the door (of your heart) shall be opened,"
and "if anyone asks Me for wisdom he shall receive it!"

Answer 10

Yes, I felt that way from age 5 until 20 and quit trying. I went looking for answers and found them in paganism. For me the Bible just didn't answer the questions I had and the Christian deity.... I just couldn't believe in him.

I found the path and deities I was meant for.

I would suggest you explore some other religions - explore a lot of them and find what appeals to you and learn more. Or talk with a friendly and gentle preacher or elder in your Christian church and ask for support and guidance.

Good luck - for now, call yourself an agnostic and keep questioning.