Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Philosophy/religion

Join our Philosophy forum to discuss religion and spirituality.

Finding Faith

16 replies

MynameisTuesday · 02/07/2022 11:53

I am currently going through a period of extreme stress and anxiety. I am being supported by the mental health crisis team
A few year ago, I didn't believe in anything but over time I have started to find talk to God and listen to the hymns I loved as a child
I was brought up a Christian but lost my way. Whether you are a Christian or not, can anyone offer any guidance or support, please. And also any prayers for me and those like me in this situation would be of great comfort.
Thank you x

OP posts:
Ouchmytoe100 · 02/07/2022 18:49

Hi OP! I just want to say that I too faced extreme anxiety and very poor mental health - had some bad times, and did some bad things, and sometimes look back on my previous life with absolute disbelief that the person I am today is the person I was before. Building a relationship with God is the greatest thing that I've ever done, and I see now that some of the lowest points of my life helped guide me towards Him, so today I find myself grateful for everything I went through because without my journey I never would have the relationship with God that I do today.

Turn to God in this time of stress and anxiety. Whatever it is, give it to God. Before you go to sleep, and when you wake up, pray and ask God to get you thorough this. Tell Him you're giving Him all your problems and everything you can't deal with by yourself. Tell Him you give up control, that you trust Him to help you. And He will. You're not supposed to do this by yourself, we were never meant to try to cope with life without God. This is exactly the time that you're supposed to turn to Him and He won't let you down.

In the mean time, have you considered exploring your faith a little more? There's an absolutely gorgeous TV series called The Chosen that I'd recommend for anyone wanting to get to know Jesus - it's based on His life but it shows His disciples in such a real, relatable way. I love this show because it reminds me that Jesus deliberately chose the broken people, the people that were going through really hard times or who didn't quite fit in or who had been through a lot. Of course it's all bible stories you probably know well if you grew up a Christian, but this show is made in a way that is really easy to watch and enjoyable so if your head isn't in the right place to sit down and read, it can be a really nice, relaxing way to reopen your mind to God and the reality who He is.

If you want to look to the bible for guidance but aren't sure where to start you can try the Bible in One Year app, which you can read or listen to for just ten minutes each day and will let you get through the whole bible in a year, as the name suggests! Or you can also download YouVersion, which is a bible app, and every day posts a 'verse of the day' if you're not in a place where you feel you can read the bible, you can just read and take comfort from these verses. I'm not sure what you're going through but I know that when I'm going through extreme anxiety my head isn't really in a place to sit down and concentrate on anything at all, let alone reading the bible which can take some concentration at the best of times!

You can also check out whether any churches near you are running an Alpha course. I have done it - twice actually, because I just loved being in an environment where people who are going through different things, from different backgrounds, with different beliefs, are all trying to figure out about God and His place in their lives and whether they're ready to accept Him or not. I found it really helpful, comforting and healing too to talk through my thoughts and feelings and opinions in a place without judgement and without a right or wrong answer. It really helped me. You can check online if they're running any, just Google it.

It's when we are at our weakest and more broken that God is the closest to us. Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you too. I'll pray for you 😊And please feel free to message me if you'd like to! I wish you all the best xxx

Ouchmytoe100 · 02/07/2022 18:53

Oh! I forgot. In case you wanted to try it, here's Season 1 of the Chosen, you can watch the first season on YouTube. xxx

Namenic · 02/07/2022 19:02

OP - I’m sorry your going through a hard time. I don’t have much to offer but prayers and good wishes. It is kind and thoughtful that you think of others too who are going through difficulties -even in your time of need. May you be blessed and comforted!

MynameisTuesday · 02/07/2022 20:34

Thank you so much @Ouchmytoe100 . I am touched that you went to so much time and effort to reach out to help me. That really means a lot - Thank you.
I am grateful of your prayers and the hope and positivity in your message, particularly as you can relate to the issues I am having myself.
I'm a little more 'with it' in the evenings as I have some medication to calm things down so I will follow your suggestions.
And thank you again for your kindness x

OP posts:
MynameisTuesday · 02/07/2022 20:34

Thank you @Namenic for your thoughtful message x

OP posts:
Mummybear888 · 02/07/2022 21:03

Sorry to hear that you are going through this :(. I suffer from anxiety too sometimes and it can be so hard. I found this shop on Etsy called SugarandSloth. I think the lady who owns it suffers from anxiety too and she creates the cutest tongue-in-cheek stickers.

I recently bought some to stick on my laptop and phone and every time I look at them, they make me smile and give me encouragement. Hope this helps, even if is just a little bit :).

MynameisTuesday · 02/07/2022 21:11

Thank you @Mummybear888 They are very sweet x

OP posts:
gracewitt · 02/07/2022 21:19

OP, I'm lighting a candle for you and praying this evening, for peace for yourself, and for the work of your mental health team. Also, that in your talking and listening to God there will come answers.
To add to what has already been said, I'd suggest following the daily worship of one of the cathedrals online. I've found Canterbury Cathedral's youtube channel helpful but there are others. Hymns have such helpful theology too - glad you are finding them a comfort. And, when you're ready, call/visit a church and ask for a pastoral conversation. Hope some of this is helpful. God Bless x

MynameisTuesday · 03/07/2022 12:14

Thank you so much @gracewitt for your lovely message and positivity.

I really am so grateful to all of you who have taken time to write thoughtful and compassionate replies - it means such a lot that, even though none of you know me, you have reached out in friendship to help. X

OP posts:
Cherry35 · 10/07/2022 13:23

I'm Christian and sometimes is also hard; moreover when going through a testing season.

What helps me cheer up again and reignite my faith is to listen to worship music and listen to Joel Osteen's preachings. I know many people don't like him but his preachings are simple, easy to understand and lift your spirit. You can listen on the apps for podcasts or you tube.

BlackbirdsSinging · 31/07/2022 23:27

I like listening to Christian radio stations. UCB 2 is my favourite but there are many out there (UCB 1, Premier Praise are my second choices).

BlackbirdsSinging · 31/07/2022 23:27

www.ucb.co.uk/ucb2

BlackbirdsSinging · 31/07/2022 23:28

www.premierpraise.com/

Mischance · 31/07/2022 23:30

I cannot share your search for faith outside of this world and of people - my religion is very simple - Kindness is all that matters. That is the essence of all decent religions. But I do send you good wishes and hope that you will find the way out of your current circumstances that feels right for you.

MynameisTuesday · 01/08/2022 15:25

Thank you Blackbird and Mischance xx

OP posts:
MynameisTuesday · 01/08/2022 15:27

@Ouchmytoe100 I'm up to episode 4 of The Chosen.
I wasn't well enough to watch for a while (as ridiculous as that sounds) but I am enjoying it
Thank you xx

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread