How do you deal with being "let down" by God?

[Silverclocks]

I'm not outwardly religious but I have always had some faith, read my bible, said my prayers and lived a generally Christian life, tried to be kind and charitable etc.

I've had a good life and thanked God daily. The only thing I really asked for in my prayers was that He took care of my husband and children.

Then DH died at 53 and DC have really struggled with their loss, DS2 particularly has gone off the rails.

I've always felt things happen for a reason, but I can't see anything good in this.

A little explanation.

@speakout

No, most of us don’t need a book. Some people do - just as some people rely on self help books for every decision/ problem they face.

Religion is complicated (understatement of the year) - it can be used to control people, keep them in their place. Historically (and not so historically) religion has been used as a cover for all manner of awful crimes (I’m thinking of the Catholic Church here as I was brought up Catholic, but this applies to many religions).

I am not religious.
My point was (after basically saying that ‘God’ is just some sort of fantasy) that the only things I believe people should take any notice of are some of the stories that focus on how to live a decent life. If they help people get by, that’s great. IMHO it is idiotic to think that ‘God’ is some sort of magical wizard who will stop bad things happening to us as long we ‘believe’.

I lost my faith simply because I couldn’t rationalise the concept of God’s goodness with the shitty things that were going on around me. Yes, I know all about free will etc, I spent my childhood in a heavily CofE environment and my senior school years in a very strict RC school having religion dinned into me every day.
The sheer number of crimes, wars and abuse done in the name of religion simply underlines my lack of belief.

Thank you for this thread. I’m a Muslim. When I was pregnant with my child, I went on pilgrimage to Mecca. I prayed for a safe delivery and healthy child. My daughter died. At the time, many said God doesn’t place a burden on you that you can’t handle, and that God tests those He loves. That trauma has had so many repercussions, including divorce. I was blessed with another child. I prayed and prayed for his safe delivery. But now, I don’t have the energy to muster to ask God to help in the current and very major issues I’m facing. I don’t believe He likes me. I shouldn’t have to beg for help and guidance. I’ve been through life trying to be kind and good, not to upset those whom I respect, not to sin. Shedding religion has been like braking free from a prison, however, I’m feel numb and have no idea what the purpose of existence is if it’s filled with suffering.

When I asked God why he allowed my son to die I already knew the answer and it was nothing to do with God.
I do have faith. I do not blame God for anything. God is only your conscience really if you think about it