Posted by SLS on February 6, 2005, at 15:50:31
In reply to Thanks, Ray » rayww, posted by Chris O on February 1, 2005, at 0:39:04
> Thanks, Ray. Thanks for the words of encouragement. I'm giving it my best, not giving up, just unable to bear the panic, the anxiety I feel sometimes. It helps when I feel that God loves me...I just have a hard time feeling that, feeling loved, loving myself...I have much shame inside of me, much fear. I feel like I have made progress, taken steps forward, in my spiritual growth over the last 6 months. I will continue to pray and to seek God.
Just my own perspective:
I can't speak for any Christian teachings, but it is my faith that one does not have to seek God. He is all around us - always. All you need do is to enable yourself to feel him. I believe that he forgives you all of your hurtful acts in life, whether you ask for it or not. However, I feel much more full of His spirit when I interact with Him on a personal level and ask for forgiveness and resolve to change my life in ways that bring me closer to Him. He rewards me with a more fulfilling life. I can generally feel the difference between His right and wrong. I think it tends to be at our core as human beings to be able to tell the difference.
I don't pray in words for God's graces to surround me. I pray in feelings. It helps to be in a quiet, private place where you can relieve yourself of worrisome distractions. Let it just be you and God in the moment. Ask questions. Feel answers. Alternatively, don't ask questions and be still. Feel. Feel God's Love and warmth surround you. It is unconditional. He is the parent. You are the child. Let Him teach you in His gentle way, and know that he smiles when you do not understand. It is a learning process. It is a feeling process. Between you and God there is no shame. There is only Truth. Do not fear God for shame or shameful acts. He understands these acts better than you do, and forgives you for them. You will learn, as long as you can cultivate a personal and honest relationship with an all loving God.
Be well.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:450763
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20050111/msgs/454006.html