Bible Question:
Hi, I would like so seek help on spiritual happiness. I'm some what confused and not confused. The confused part is, are we sapost to be spiritual happy after we give our life to Christ? Meaning is are lives going to face troubles like Jesus faced in his life when he was human? Can't we experience happieness, because when you expect certain things from God and pray for them and try to get them, they some how a lot of the times turn around into feelings and thoughts you don't want. What are we to do in that type of situation? Could someone provide me with wisdom on this, and guidence and possibly some personal wisdom from your self, not just biblical aspects because the bible is sometimes hard to understand and comprehend for me. Thanks everyone. |
Bible Answer: Well, God's original intention was that we be happy. Unfortunately, since sin came along, happiness, as God intended, has been elusive. Yes, as believers in Jesus, we will face troubles but that is because the "world" - powers that are against God; and somewhere Jesus said, "If they persecute me, they will persecute you." Peter says, "Arm yourselves for suffering," that is, persecution. However, in the midst of these troubles, we can still experience happiness or, rather, joy by directing our faith in Christ and our eyes towards the resurrection. That is not to deny the pains of reality but to overcome them. Jesus, again, says, "In the world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John, the apostle, declared that, "He who believes that Jesus is the Christ overcomes the world." As far as dealing with feeling that we don't want to have, the first way to tackle that is to read, meditate, memorize, and obey, as best you know, God's Word, the Bible. The second way is to pray - with the Bible open and in hand - seeking and believeing in the promises of God. A third way I have personally found useful in dealing with sinful feelings, e.g. anger, is to deny the feelings are in in way a part of your new nature (2 Cor 5:17) and to believe that you have been enabled to overcome temptations to sin in all its forms. Fourth, seek a mature believer to share your struggles with (and, allow him to share his struggles with you) and pray for each other. I have found it especially helpful that when I feel depressed, instead of praying for myself, I pray for others whom I know are in depression. Somewhere the Bible says, "Do not look out just for yourself but be interested in others" (or something like that). Of course, after having said all this, each of us must find his own way through the Bible in dealing with his/her particular situation and overcoming those things that deteriorate faith, whether it be sadness, disappointment, persecution, and even demonic attackes. What I have suggested has been helpful for me, however, it cannot be ever be overemphasized to say that faith in God's grace (divine enabling) through Christ is the basis for overcoming. Without faith (Heb 11:6), do whatever you want to do to succeed and you will, nevertheless, fail (Rom 10:31-32). Please note, I am not a professional counselor nor do I know you personally, therefore, it would be better for you to either seek professional or pastoral care depending on your needs. In my personal opinion, the Internet Forums are probably the worst place to seek advice. |