A request for a bit of advice.

[Seth]

Hello, fellow forum prowlers. I'd like to ask your advice on a few hardly related topics that are preventing me from sleeping.

First,

Inspiration. Something I lack. I can't bring myself to change myself for the better. I can't stay committed to any schedule, mostly because I cannot be sincere about doing so. I don't see the point in making efforts to improve upon myself or my circumstances. It seems quite impossible from my standpoint to accomplish anything, so why even try? It's allot easier for me to just waste my life away on video games and the internet waiting for something to change in my life to give me a reason to get on with it.

Second,

Depression(?), I suppose it could be called. But, when I feel blue, I don't feel anything. Apathy, I call it. I've been this way for years now, I find myself void of emotion when it comes to anything other than other people. I find myself contemplating life, and it's meaning constantly and find little resolve. For every one question I answer, two more arise. Trying to find a purpose within my existence to cheer me up, but alas, none are to be found.

Third,

Addiction. I find myself addicted to the internet and video games. Can't tear myself away. They're the only thing that make me vaguely happy when I'm feeling down like this. When I do put the controller down, it's only a matter of seconds before the thinking starts, and all of my problems swarm me at once. I figure it would be in my best interest to stop playing video games so abusively, but I don't see any point in stopping. Can't find the inspiration.

Fourth,

Loneliness. last time I had a friend in real life was eight years ago. Maybe ten now. I can hardly remember it's been so long. I long to be important to someone just because I'm me, not because I'm related to them. Don't get me wrong, I do love my family. I do so more than myself. But, it doesn't give me the satisfaction of knowing that I'm 'all right'. I live in rural Wisconsin, and I'm homeschooled. So I don't see this changing anytime soon. Closest I've come to having friends is over the internet. And, typically, it's only a matter of weeks before said internet friend gets bored of talking to me and begins to ignore me.
I know, God's the only one who can fill this role. But, right now. The above addiction is keeping me from God, and apathy is keeping me from feeling his love.

Fifth,

Purpose. I feel that my life lacks any kind of purpose, and if I were to drop off the face of the earth, it really wouldn't have much of an impact. I know this for a fact. Though, suicide never crossed my mind once. The thought of being insignificant to everyone else in the world discourages me. And my failure in my Christian walk has left me without any kind of direction.



Well, that's it. Whatever you can answer, please do. I'll check back tomorrow.

 

[Random_Facts]

Hey there Seth! I'll try my best to shine some positive light the best I can towards you.

1). Inspiration comes in all different shapes and sizes. Most people think of inspiration and instantly think of large items of some sort. But actually the best inspiration anyone can get, is small enough to fit inside your pocket. What's that you ask? Wisdom/time/and a really good quote. Things like: "Aim for the moon, if you miss you'll be among the stars". (very true none the less). You find something you enjoy doing and that will help with the inspiration mind set. If you think positive, you'll have a positive outcome. Sometimes it's so hard for someone to break the habit of what they are used to. To try and step into a new pattern can be so hard. Make a list of everything you like to do, and then everyday expand it. Before you know it it'll be pages long. But have to start somewhere.

2). Depression, everyone gets it sooner or later. I've had it plenty of times myself, the best way out of it, is to seek the light, talk to someone you really trust about it. Even writing in a notebook or journal, can really help. One of those "don't think, just write moments". Or if you prefer I find typing in a microsoft word folder or notepad located on the menu of most computers is handy also. Just anyway to get your feelings out on paper or anywhere. Is a huge stress reliever. Make sure you have 3 answers, that way when 2 new questions arise you'll be set. haha. Humor goes along way also. It surely helps.

3). Believe it or not, they have clubs, for the internet/video game users. That's a great way to make friends, feel inspired, and do what you like to do. Of course it'll be a little tougher in rural areas. But anything is truly possible. As I tell people, believing is one thing, but if you can believe in yourself, than you will have the power to do anything you want. It's hard to give up something you've been doing for so long. But if you enjoy reading, then mix the video games with a good book on the side. Get some variety in your daily routine. Even the slightest change in the positive way will make the biggest of difference.

4). This one is a little more tough to respond too, but nothing is impossible. Friends come and go, even online friends come and go. But just remember your true friends, or true internet friends, who truly care about you. Will stay with you through the thick and thin of things. Don't give up on hope, don't give up on god. He'll be with you no matter what. When one door closes, another one opens. Even if you think you'll never find another friend, hang in there you'll be fine in the end. Sometimes looking into the future can be scary, it can be scary for anyone, the unknown. But let god lead you in your path, and everything will work out in the end. Always does.

5). It would have a huge impact if you where to drop off the edge of the earth. The world would have lost such a great person. Be true to yourself, be real, just remember you're not alone. You still have god, to help you through the hardest of times. Someone will always be there to catch you if you fall, or lend a hand. The power of believing, is the power of inspiration. Hang in there. last but not least, "Pick any direction, as long as you're moving forward" -toyota. There quote is very true. it truly doesn't matter which way you go, as long as you put one small step in front of the other. then another, and then another. That's what we call progress.

I'll be sure to keep you in my thoughts and prayers though. hang in there it gets better over time!

 

[virteous_man]

Seth:
Faith come by hearing and hearing the Word of God.

Promise me Seth that when you wake up every morning say "Good morning Jesus."

Then make sure you have time to pray for at least 15 minutes.

Do 1 devotional study. Daily bread is good for this last about 5-10 minutes.

If you do this every morning you will change and you will behold things you never thought possible.

Make this a promise every day.

 

[Seth]

Hey there Seth! I'll try my best to shine some positive light the best I can towards you.

1). Inspiration comes in all different shapes and sizes. Most people think of inspiration and instantly think of large items of some sort. But actually the best inspiration anyone can get, is small enough to fit inside your pocket. What's that you ask? Wisdom/time/and a really good quote. Things like: "Aim for the moon, if you miss you'll be among the stars". (very true none the less). You find something you enjoy doing and that will help with the inspiration mind set. If you think positive, you'll have a positive outcome. Sometimes it's so hard for someone to break the habit of what they are used to. To try and step into a new pattern can be so hard. Make a list of everything you like to do, and then everyday expand it. Before you know it it'll be pages long. But have to start somewhere.

2). Depression, everyone gets it sooner or later. I've had it plenty of times myself, the best way out of it, is to seek the light, talk to someone you really trust about it. Even writing in a notebook or journal, can really help. One of those "don't think, just write moments". Or if you prefer I find typing in a microsoft word folder or notepad located on the menu of most computers is handy also. Just anyway to get your feelings out on paper or anywhere. Is a huge stress reliever. Make sure you have 3 answers, that way when 2 new questions arise you'll be set. haha. Humor goes along way also. It surely helps.

3). Believe it or not, they have clubs, for the internet/video game users. That's a great way to make friends, feel inspired, and do what you like to do. Of course it'll be a little tougher in rural areas. But anything is truly possible. As I tell people, believing is one thing, but if you can believe in yourself, than you will have the power to do anything you want. It's hard to give up something you've been doing for so long. But if you enjoy reading, then mix the video games with a good book on the side. Get some variety in your daily routine. Even the slightest change in the positive way will make the biggest of difference.

4). This one is a little more tough to respond too, but nothing is impossible. Friends come and go, even online friends come and go. But just remember your true friends, or true internet friends, who truly care about you. Will stay with you through the thick and thin of things. Don't give up on hope, don't give up on god. He'll be with you no matter what. When one door closes, another one opens. Even if you think you'll never find another friend, hang in there you'll be fine in the end. Sometimes looking into the future can be scary, it can be scary for anyone, the unknown. But let god lead you in your path, and everything will work out in the end. Always does.

5). It would have a huge impact if you where to drop off the edge of the earth. The world would have lost such a great person. Be true to yourself, be real, just remember you're not alone. You still have god, to help you through the hardest of times. Someone will always be there to catch you if you fall, or lend a hand. The power of believing, is the power of inspiration. Hang in there. last but not least, "Pick any direction, as long as you're moving forward" -toyota. There quote is very true. it truly doesn't matter which way you go, as long as you put one small step in front of the other. then another, and then another. That's what we call progress.

I'll be sure to keep you in my thoughts and prayers though. hang in there it gets better over time!

Thanks for this. Didn't think I'd receive such a thoughtful, and lengthy response overnight. I'll ponder your words carefully. Perhaps I may gain some sort of resolution.

I certainly hope so.

 

[Seth]

Seth:
Faith come by hearing and hearing the Word of God.

Promise me Seth that when you wake up every morning say "Good morning Jesus."

Then make sure you have time to pray for at least 15 minutes.

Do 1 devotional study. Daily bread is good for this last about 5-10 minutes.

If you do this every morning you will change and you will behold things you never thought possible.

Make this a promise every day.

Couldn't hurt. But, what I'm struggling with are the principals of life and faith. I don't think that going through a routine would help answer these questions that have proven to be a stumbling block to my walk with God. But what do I know, I'm the asker of the question, not the answer giver.

Thanks for the post. I'll give it up thought.

 

[Kyouken]

I'll give it a go:

1.) I try to make the reason I get up every morning because of God. That really is the main reason why I get up every morning - my body really likes sleeping in, and for the past few days of vacation (save for today, heh) I've gotten up at 9:00 am. If there's something you want to change about yourself, ask God to point something out to you that you may not have seen. Then take it up with God from there, and you're good.

2.) The number one source of joy for everyone should be (in my opinion, of course) the Word of God. That's like spending time with God Himself. I haven't been able to fully appreciate that, but if I'm down and I delve into the Word of God, for some reason, I'm not feeling so down anymore.

3.) The only advice I have here is just to get into the Word of God more. Maybe start with fifteen-thirty minutes a day at a specific time everyday, and then expand it from there. I can say you probably won't feel like it, though. You just need to get some momentum and keeping it going gets a bit easier.

4.) The only advice I can offer in this area is the above. D:

5.) God has given you eternal life. John 17:3 says "And this eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." I'm pretty sure that 'know' means intimately, as in 'intimately know You'. That's what God created us for - to have a personal relationship with Himself. While God's plan is different for everyone, eternal life is the basis for it. That's your purpose in life, Seth.

6.) Yeah, I know, no sixth area... But I'll title this one 'Praise'. Praise God whenever you can, Seth, in good times and bad. When praising Him, your mind will be on Him. You'll start to feel happy (maybe not at first, but keep going), maybe even joyful. Romans 8:6 - "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." Change starts in your mind. Once you become spiritually minded, change may very well be an effortless effort.

Oh, and if you need to discipline your flesh, fasting may help.

The above is what works for me, and I hope that, even if a tiny bit, it helps you.
I wish you luck, Seth. I know that you will be able to overcome what life is throwing at you.

 

[Crimeny]

SETHHHH I AM THE GHOST OF SCROOGE WHO NEVER STOPPED PLAYING VIDEOGAMES AND NOW I AM HERE TO TELL YOU TO STOP OR ELSE YOU WILL BE HAUNTED BY THE EERIE MOOING OF A COW EVERY TUESDAY EVENING AFTER DINNER UNLESS YOU ATE SPAGHETTI!!!!!


apart from that sounds like you just some loving and a change in lifestyle, maybe pray the sinners prayer and pray earnestly every night for a change for the better and so that God might pluck you up and give you vision!

 

[virteous_man]

Couldn't hurt. But, what I'm struggling with are the principals of life and faith. I don't think that going through a routine would help answer these questions that have proven to be a stumbling block to my walk with God. But what do I know, I'm the asker of the question, not the answer giver.

Thanks for the post. I'll give it up thought.

The principals of life and faith are exactly what getting a routine will do for you. By doing your Godly chore every morning you will come into a closer relationship with God.

For example alot of people say they know and understand God. If that is so I ask you if you only had one child would you allow them to die to save the world? If you can answer yes to this question you are God.

If you answer No like me and all others who have children then you must accept the fact that you do not know the mind of God and need Him to teach you because no other human can do what He did.

 

[Mrdll]

Sounds like the enemy is on the move here. Takes your "Inspiration" away to make you idle so he can bring in "Depression" to drag you down. Then he gives you an "Addiction" or 2 so "You" can try to come out of it all on your own, or just simply ignore it. Then however he shows you how alone you are and increases the "Loneliness" in your life making you "Feel" as though you have no "Purpose" !

Answer!

Jesus will give your more "INSPIRATION" than you've ever dreamed of, so much that "DEPRESSION" can never get it's ugly roots in, which leaves you free from your "ADDICTIONS" because your with Him. He will never leave you or forsake you and you will find yourself around people who love you, leaving no room for "LONELINESS" ! Then HE gives you "PURPOSE" !

 

[Seth]

Sounds like the enemy is on the move here. Takes your "Inspiration" away to make you idle so he can bring in "Depression" to drag you down. Then he gives you an "Addiction" or 2 so "You" can try to come out of it all on your own, or just simply ignore it. Then however he shows you how alone you are and increases the "Loneliness" in your life making you "Feel" as though you have no "Purpose" !

Answer!

Jesus will give your more "INSPIRATION" than you've ever dreamed of, so much that "DEPRESSION" can never get it's ugly roots in, which leaves you free from your "ADDICTIONS" because your with Him. He will never leave you or forsake you and you will find yourself around people who love you, leaving no room for "LONELINESS" ! Then HE gives you "PURPOSE" !

I'll remember that. Thanks.

 

[Seth]

SETHHHH I AM THE GHOST OF SCROOGE WHO NEVER STOPPED PLAYING VIDEOGAMES AND NOW I AM HERE TO TELL YOU TO STOP OR ELSE YOU WILL BE HAUNTED BY THE EERIE MOOING OF A COW EVERY TUESDAY EVENING AFTER DINNER UNLESS YOU ATE SPAGHETTI!!!!!


apart from that sounds like you just some loving and a change in lifestyle, maybe pray the sinners prayer and pray earnestly every night for a change for the better and so that God might pluck you up and give you vision!

Quite humorous, this post. Made me smirk a bit.

 

[Be_Evergreen]

Hello, fellow forum prowlers. I'd like to ask your advice on a few hardly related topics that are preventing me from sleeping.

First,

Inspiration. Something I lack. I can't bring myself to change myself for the better. I can't stay committed to any schedule, mostly because I cannot be sincere about doing so. I don't see the point in making efforts to improve upon myself or my circumstances. It seems quite impossible from my standpoint to accomplish anything, so why even try? It's allot easier for me to just waste my life away on video games and the internet waiting for something to change in my life to give me a reason to get on with it.

Hey Seth! It sounds like the blues your feeling could have a connection to the next part of your post.

Second,

Depression(?), I suppose it could be called. But, when I feel blue, I don't feel anything. Apathy, I call it. I've been this way for years now, I find myself void of emotion when it comes to anything other than other people. I find myself contemplating life, and it's meaning constantly and find little resolve. For every one question I answer, two more arise. Trying to find a purpose within my existence to cheer me up, but alas, none are to be found.

Do you remember when this started- did something happen around the time you first started feeling this way?

Third,

Addiction. I find myself addicted to the internet and video games. Can't tear myself away. They're the only thing that make me vaguely happy when I'm feeling down like this. When I do put the controller down, it's only a matter of seconds before the thinking starts, and all of my problems swarm me at once. I figure it would be in my best interest to stop playing video games so abusively, but I don't see any point in stopping. Can't find the inspiration.

When one is addicted to something, it often seems to be, as you have pointed out, to fill a void. You say these are the only things that make you happy when you're down.

Also, I see that you "start thinking" when you put the controller down- is it just the negative thoughts that swoop in right then?

You cannot find the inspiration to stop- and who would, when it is something that makes you feel alive! But you seem uncomfortable with this, because as you pointed out, it isn't a little harmless fun- it is an addiction.

Fourth,

Loneliness. last time I had a friend in real life was eight years ago. Maybe ten now. I can hardly remember it's been so long. I long to be important to someone just because I'm me, not because I'm related to them. Don't get me wrong, I do love my family. I do so more than myself. But, it doesn't give me the satisfaction of knowing that I'm 'all right'. I live in rural Wisconsin, and I'm homeschooled. So I don't see this changing anytime soon. Closest I've come to having friends is over the internet. And, typically, it's only a matter of weeks before said internet friend gets bored of talking to me and begins to ignore me.
I know, God's the only one who can fill this role. But, right now. The above addiction is keeping me from God, and apathy is keeping me from feeling his love.

To be loved and cared for is something that is rooted deeply into the human heart. We come out of the womb, into this new scary environment, getting an overload of the senses and needing safety! So we form attachments with our family, and they are our role models for other relationships.

It's not always that easy though! You say you are homeschooled- in what ways do you think that this has affected your relationship with others? Are you a member of any youth or church groups?

Fifth,

Purpose. I feel that my life lacks any kind of purpose, and if I were to drop off the face of the earth, it really wouldn't have much of an impact. I know this for a fact. Though, suicide never crossed my mind once. The thought of being insignificant to everyone else in the world discourages me. And my failure in my Christian walk has left me without any kind of direction.



Well, that's it. Whatever you can answer, please do. I'll check back tomorrow.

If you could rate yourself on a scale of 1-10, what would you rate it?

Also, tell me- do you have any hobbies- music, art, writing, sports, photography?

Are you really insignificant?
Think about this- whoever you meet, you effect them in intricate and unimaginable ways. People often judge us less than we believe that they do as well. That certainly doesn't keep us from wondering how small we are, in the scheme of things. You are a thinker, yes? A busy mind can be chaotic.

I went a little more in depth than I had first intended... haha... feel free to PM about this, I'm always open to talking to people about these things.

 

[Godlovespenguins]

Well I guess my advice for all of the topics is to ask God. He can give u everything u need.
1. I sometimes have this problem too.. I ask God to give me willpower.. If you ask Him and sincerely mean it, I believe He will keep you on track and He will help you to do things like maybe read your Bible like a chapter a day or something..
2. As for the purpose of your existence , God created you to be friends with Him He loves you too much and Hes glad that you trust in Him. He wants you to share Him With other people so they can go to heaven too
3. I can be the same way, but what I do is think: in the long run, what's gonna matter more, completing another video game, or reading some in my Bible and just spending time talking to God? Just ask Him to give you strength to do what u know is the right thing, and honestly mean it, and He'll help ya out
4. Have u asked Him to give u a good friend that will be there for you? When I'm feeling alone, sit down, set a chair across from you, and just talk to God. Like Hes right there, because He is. Whenever you feel alone and whatever you're doing, you can ALWAYS know Hes with you. And back to the chair thing. It feels good to just get your thoughts out. Just vent to Him because it makes Him happy when you spend time with Him. Just explain everything that's going on, and what you're feeling and tell him your problems. He really does care About u.
5. Yea, I know was your talking about.. it bothers me how I cant make much of an impact. I struggle with wants
ing to help everyone. I want everyone to know God and I want to help lead people to Him. I just hafta step back and think about each person individually. I know theres no way I can help everyone, so I prey that God will send me someone to witness to. I jus think not about what kind of impact I made on the world, but how i have impacted peoples eternities . If I can lead people to Jesus, they will have an eternity in heaven and you have not failed as a Christian . As long as your alive,you can live for God! I hope I have helped you, and I'll. Be praying for you every day God loves you!

 

[PopClick]

Well I guess my advice for all of the topics is to ask God. He can give u everything u need.
1. I sometimes have this problem too.. I ask God to give me willpower.. If you ask Him and sincerely mean it, I believe He will keep you on track and He will help you to do things like maybe read your Bible like a chapter a day or something..
2. As for the purpose of your existence , God created you to be friends with Him He loves you too much and Hes glad that you trust in Him. He wants you to share Him With other people so they can go to heaven too
3. I can be the same way, but what I do is think: in the long run, what's gonna matter more, completing another video game, or reading some in my Bible and just spending time talking to God? Just ask Him to give you strength to do what u know is the right thing, and honestly mean it, and He'll help ya out
4. Have u asked Him to give u a good friend that will be there for you? When I'm feeling alone, sit down, set a chair across from you, and just talk to God. Like Hes right there, because He is. Whenever you feel alone and whatever you're doing, you can ALWAYS know Hes with you. And back to the chair thing. It feels good to just get your thoughts out. Just vent to Him because it makes Him happy when you spend time with Him. Just explain everything that's going on, and what you're feeling and tell him your problems. He really does care About u.
5. Yea, I know was your talking about.. it bothers me how I cant make much of an impact. I struggle with wants
ing to help everyone. I want everyone to know God and I want to help lead people to Him. I just hafta step back and think about each person individually. I know theres no way I can help everyone, so I prey that God will send me someone to witness to. I jus think not about what kind of impact I made on the world, but how i have impacted peoples eternities . If I can lead people to Jesus, they will have an eternity in heaven and you have not failed as a Christian . As long as your alive,you can live for God! I hope I have helped you, and I'll. Be praying for you every day God loves you!

Godlovespenguins, welcome to the site! It's nice to have you here.

And this is an EXCELLENT answer that you gave. Two thumbs up.

 

[Godlovespenguins]

Godlovespenguins, welcome to the site! It's nice to have you here.

And this is an EXCELLENT answer that you gave. Two thumbs up.

Thank you very much and thanks for the two thumbs up! God loves you!!

 

[Godlovespenguins]

Sorry to be off-subject, but how do I subscribe to threads??

 

[PopClick]

Sorry to be off-subject, but how do I subscribe to threads??

If you post in a thread, you will automatically be subscribed. But you can also go to a thread you want to subscribe to, and click "thread tools" near the top of the page, there is an option there to subscribe.

You can see your subscribed threads by clicking "control panel".

 

[honest01]

Hi Seth. We live in a world full of problems like depression. Since Jesus overcome all these problems we also can overcome them. Just commit your situation to Jesus and have the desire to overcome it and it shall be so. Remember that every situation or circumstance in life can be overcome if we believed in Jesus and determine.

 

[dishchat]

Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Pray unto God , don't stop praying. For he alone has the power to deliver you. Have faith in Him.

 

[Jordache]

My friend, my pastor spoke about this today and I believe it addresses all the issues in one way or another. First things first, there is an underlying cause to all the issues you described. There's something you don't want to feel. My sense is that it could be fear of failure or inadequacy related but thats for you to
determine.
In order to follow through with a behavioral change most people have hear that it takes 21 days to build a habit. However, you must first have a vision. What do you want to see? How do you want to behave? What are you looking to accomplish? Second, you must have intention. You must actually intend or plan to do it. Lastly, you must have a method. Pm me if you'd like further explanation.