Everything but Consumed

[kayem77]

I was reading Lamentations 3 a few days ago and I came across these verses:

19 Remember my affliction and roaming,
The wormwood and the gall.
20 My soul still remembers
And sinks within me.

21 This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.

Reading this had a great impact on me. I'm still thinking and pondering these verses ....because I thought I was consumed in a way.I thought my afflictions were consuming me like noone else. But then this made me realize there are so many things in my life that could be waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay worse. I thought of the persecuted Church, I thought of poverty in thirdwold countries, famine, oppression in the Communist world, you know... the common things one brings to mind to make your thoughts land on earth again. I thought of the mercies God brings to everyone - fresh air, sunlight, the stars shining at night.

I come to the conclusion that a child of God cannot be completely consumed, even if wordly possesions, desires, and affections perish. My hope and faith is all I have at their purest essence when all else disappears. What I'm still trying to find out is what to do when you are almost consumed by your worries and afflictions.

You know that feeling of having a heavy weight in your heart...as Jeremiah said '' my soul remembers and sinks within me'' ? <--- that feeling
yet somewhere in my heart, I have this peace that I know comes from my Creator. Some days I feel it more than others, but it is there, and it's the reason why I can still enjoy his mercies and smile at his love.

I guess I'm trying to ask, what do you do when you feel like you are almost consumed? ''The Lord is my portion!'' says my soul but my flesh says not.
I also just wanted to write down my thoughts .

 

[AsifinPassing]

I was reading Lamentations 3 a few days ago and I came across these verses:

19 Remember my affliction and roaming,
The wormwood and the gall.
20 My soul still remembers
And sinks within me.

21 This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
22 Through the Lord&#8217;s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.

Reading this had a great impact on me. I'm still thinking and pondering these verses ....because I thought I was consumed in a way.I thought my afflictions were consuming me like noone else. But then this made me realize there are so many things in my life that could be waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay worse. I thought of the persecuted Church, I thought of poverty in thirdwold countries, famine, oppression in the Communist world, you know... the common things one brings to mind to make your thoughts land on earth again. I thought of the mercies God brings to everyone - fresh air, sunlight, the stars shining at night.

I come to the conclusion that a child of God cannot be completely consumed, even if wordly possesions, desires, and affections perish. My hope and faith is all I have at their purest essence when all else disappears. What I'm still trying to find out is what to do when you are almost consumed by your worries and afflictions.

You know that feeling of having a heavy weight in your heart...as Jeremiah said '' my soul remembers and sinks within me'' ? <--- that feeling
yet somewhere in my heart, I have this peace that I know comes from my Creator. Some days I feel it more than others, but it is there, and it's the reason why I can still enjoy his mercies and smile at his love.

I guess I'm trying to ask, what do you do when you feel like you are almost consumed? ''The Lord is my portion!'' says my soul but my flesh says not.
I also just wanted to write down my thoughts .

Cool thoughts. God's definitely not gonna let you drown!

Now let's see...what I do, or one should/may do when feeling consumed? Hm...

Well, I suppose that depends on what you mean by 'feeling consumed', how you got there, and why this is the case. Sometimes it may be a personality trait, and sometimes a mental state. Often people let their feelings govern them, and that definitely causes a lot of difficulties.

I'd say, perhaps there are mixes of things you may do to 'return'. Relax, for starters. Do some things you enjoy. Have fun, and rest (or Sabbath) pretty often. This alone can make worlds of difference.

Believe it or not, secondly, sleep plays huge roles on how we think, feel, and live. Get good, preaceful sleep every night. Try for at least eight hours, and going to bed at earlier times they say is better for you. My aunt read a medical journal that said the body's best 'healing hours' of sleep are roughly from 10pm - 2am, so trying to get most of these to start with is advised.

The same could be said for diet, exercise, and healthy relationships. If you feel good, and are around others who make you feel good, then life is much more enjoyable.

Apart from these, spiritual well-being is vital! Spend that alone time with God. Wake up for and attend church. Go to that Bible study. Volunteer and find a fulfilling mission/ministry you identify with and like. These all make big differences too!

Now, if you're still heavy, even in light of all these, we often have some form of release. For me it's music. For others it's something different. Just find what allows you to get out what and how you're thinking and feeling.

If you're still down after all of these....might be time for some counseling, lol. Try not to let the waves steal your focus, and just enjoy walking on the water with Jesus! ^^

 

[GreenNnice]

Cool thoughts. God's definitely not gonna let you drown!

Now let's see...what I do, or one should/may do when feeling consumed? Hm...

Well, I suppose that depends on what you mean by 'feeling consumed', how you got there, and why this is the case. Sometimes it may be a personality trait, and sometimes a mental state. Often people let their feelings govern them, and that definitely causes a lot of difficulties.

I'd say, perhaps there are mixes of things you may do to 'return'. Relax, for starters. Do some things you enjoy. Have fun, and rest (or Sabbath) pretty often. This alone can make worlds of difference.

Believe it or not, secondly, sleep plays huge roles on how we think, feel, and live. Get good, preaceful sleep every night. Try for at least eight hours, and going to bed at earlier times they say is better for you. My aunt read a medical journal that said the body's best 'healing hours' of sleep are roughly from 10pm - 2am, so trying to get most of these to start with is advised.

The same could be said for diet, exercise, and healthy relationships. If you feel good, and are around others who make you feel good, then life is much more enjoyable.

Apart from these, spiritual well-being is vital! Spend that alone time with God. Wake up for and attend church. Go to that Bible study. Volunteer and find a fulfilling mission/ministry you identify with and like. These all make big differences too!

Now, if you're still heavy, even in light of all these, we often have some form of release. For me it's music. For others it's something different. Just find what allows you to get out what and how you're thinking and feeling.

If you're still down after all of these....might be time for some counseling, lol. Try not to let the waves steal your focus, and just enjoy walking on the water with Jesus! ^^

Asif !!!!!

Well.said.
====
kayM, when I read this and think it something Paul would say

I arrive at a contented conclusion of Paulian epistle Phillipians (say that 3 times fast )

4:12 . I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.”
You know the verse after that, which was my high school.class verse pick, btw.
”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”

Doesn't matter what is is, kayM, with Christ strengthening you you can do it , or get through it, suffering or calling or whatever, The Lord will get (lead) you through.
God bless ya, milady .

 

[kayem77]

Cool thoughts. God's definitely not gonna let you drown!

Now let's see...what I do, or one should/may do when feeling consumed? Hm...

Well, I suppose that depends on what you mean by 'feeling consumed', how you got there, and why this is the case. Sometimes it may be a personality trait, and sometimes a mental state. Often people let their feelings govern them, and that definitely causes a lot of difficulties.

I'd say, perhaps there are mixes of things you may do to 'return'. Relax, for starters. Do some things you enjoy. Have fun, and rest (or Sabbath) pretty often. This alone can make worlds of difference.

Believe it or not, secondly, sleep plays huge roles on how we think, feel, and live. Get good, preaceful sleep every night. Try for at least eight hours, and going to bed at earlier times they say is better for you. My aunt read a medical journal that said the body's best 'healing hours' of sleep are roughly from 10pm - 2am, so trying to get most of these to start with is advised.

The same could be said for diet, exercise, and healthy relationships. If you feel good, and are around others who make you feel good, then life is much more enjoyable.

Apart from these, spiritual well-being is vital! Spend that alone time with God. Wake up for and attend church. Go to that Bible study. Volunteer and find a fulfilling mission/ministry you identify with and like. These all make big differences too!

Now, if you're still heavy, even in light of all these, we often have some form of release. For me it's music. For others it's something different. Just find what allows you to get out what and how you're thinking and feeling.

If you're still down after all of these....might be time for some counseling, lol. Try not to let the waves steal your focus, and just enjoy walking on the water with Jesus! ^^

The reason of my concern is, among other things, a big decison that I need to take soon, one that could change many things in my life. I don't know what the Lord is telling me to do,my thoughts and feelings are too loud and don't let me hear his voice. I find my self arguing with my thoughts to discover that I can't win my own argument .

My circumstances are what is bothering me, the need of making a decision based on those circumstances, and the need of doing so led by God's direction.

My time alone with God is what has helped me stay somewhat calm. I have great friends and I really enjoy going to church and attending Bible studies. Those things have helped me as well. I will take your advice on diet and sleeping habits though, the fact that I'm here at almost 1am typing this reveals that I don't posses good sleeping habits. Thank you .

I also just wanna mention that I don't feel depressed...it's more like a feeling of anxiety that comes from not knowing what to do.

 

[kayem77]

Asif !!!!!

Well.said.
====
kayM, when I read this and think it something Paul would say

I arrive at a contented conclusion of Paulian epistle Phillipians (say that 3 times fast )

4:12 . I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.”
You know the verse after that, which was my high school.class verse pick, btw.
”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”

Doesn't matter what is is, kayM, with Christ strengthening you you can do it , or get through it, suffering or calling or whatever, The Lord will get (lead) you through.
God bless ya, milady .

Thank you I love those verses Mr Green. God bless you too.

 

[Perk]

1 Peter 3 is a great chapter to read when you are feeling as if you are being oppressed, suffering, consumed, etc.

 

[niceguyJ]

The reason of my concern is, among other things, a big decison that I need to take soon, one that could change many things in my life. I don't know what the Lord is telling me to do,my thoughts and feelings are too loud and don't let me hear his voice. I find my self arguing with my thoughts to discover that I can't win my own argument .

My circumstances are what is bothering me, the need of making a decision based on those circumstances, and the need of doing so led by God's direction.

My time alone with God is what has helped me stay somewhat calm. I have great friends and I really enjoy going to church and attending Bible studies. Those things have helped me as well. I will take your advice on diet and sleeping habits though, the fact that I'm here at almost 1am typing this reveals that I don't posses good sleeping habits. Thank you .

I also just wanna mention that I don't feel depressed...it's more like a feeling of anxiety that comes from not knowing what to do.

Here is a very quick little read you might find interesting:
Knowing God's Will
I'd seen it in the past, and was able to find it again. Maybe you'll get something out of it too.

 

[kayem77]

Thank you niceguy that was helpful and it makes a lot of sense! God bless you.

 

[GreenNnice]

KayM, you mention you are having to make a decision, and, don't know what regarding but you're few times I've seen you post in Bible discussion forum show me a clear aptitude for bible understanding, or, comprehension. Though you a fairly new follower of Christ, I see in you a great ability to lead others to Truth, but......
...that step toward doing ministry MUST be between you and God, the Lord leads, your clear direction, with much prayer on this matter from you, will determine His direction for you.I already've said all this to you beore but, the Lord leads me, I am content with everything I say on c.c. to everybody because my heart is after God, I hope and pray this often, as I get help too , from you, others, like pop!click. about concepts I'm trying to get understood, as I believe He leads me to teach, like no guilt convicting by God, like our Loving God, who has Himself (Holy Spirit) inside those who 'receive Him.'
Iron should sharpen iron, as Scripture states, s
P!c. did give me a definition of 'convict' that helps me teach better what I mean by 'convict' as in show error,' not 'guilt by error' , and, Ugly, too, used words for convict to help me, as I was led by Him in my own mind to accept but not like word 'convince' for how God convicts us of a wrong.
And, I simply am explaining that God Loves us like a father, because He is our Father, in heaven Fathers on earth are, human, so, in their showing their kids an error through discipline they might guilt their child. But, God? Nope, I.just don't see it that way. The Lord leads.
kayM, if you do.ever feel.led to Bible college or pursue a religion degree with christianity emphasis, I give you permission to use my argument for 'convict,' not meaning convicted in guilt sense by God, when you write a paper for admission to a seminary or do a dissertation



I think you're a great candidate for teaching Christ to others...that's all.I'm saying, but I really know not you nor the desires of your heart, so, I pray you seek after His will for your life, delighting yourself in the ways He teaches you of Himself now, milady, kayM