Hold on fellow believers. The road is rocky. The weather is stormy. The light is dim. Negativity is creeping in. Fear even.

It’s hard for me to take compliments. But thank you. I assure you this thread was not planned lol.

I tell others don’t be so hard on yourself, and don’t keep a heavy burden , yet I used to be very hard on myself and hold onto burden, and even now sometimes I put unrealistic expectations on my life and hold onto unnecessary burden. For years I held onto all this pressure and worry. But lately God has been easing this burden. And I learned what his peace is. And I was able to let go. And it was so freeing . Yes I still fall down and sin, but it doesn’t have power over me anymore. It doesn’t define me. The only power over me is Jesus Christ, and he defines me in him. And I’m happy with that !

That was beautiful. Thank you.

Hey OP, long time no see. Figured you took a break.

And love the thread topic. What I've been saying all along. When I was still an atheist I was upset by all the darkness I had experienced in my life. Now that my eyes have been open a while, I am grateful for it. Truly grateful. Because I will be ready in ways I never would have been otherwise. I don't even resent the darkness anymore. Some days I don't even think about it, which is very new for me.

Glad to see you posting again. This place, sometimes you have to take a little break from it. But myself and plenty of others are always happy to see a new thread with your name next to it.

But I’m seeing that doesn’t matter , unless I’m whole and complete.

I was gone for a few weeks because as you said I did need a break but also I had some friends visit me I haven’t seen in years. We had a lot of fun.

I know you said the darkness you experienced you are grateful for, and sometimes don’t even think about it.

But still process it. You are human.

That's the thing though, you are whole and complete. Even if you think you aren't sometimes. You know the Word in your heart. Mistakes are just part of being human. At least to my understanding of things now, God is not a hateful, vengeful deity searching for fault - he is a loving deity searching for those who learn and grow from their faults. Your kindness and patience comes through loud and clear in your threads, I don't think you have anything to worry about.



That's important. I think you know as well as I do that things are getting worse out there by the day - embrace the fun times as much as you can right now. For me, it's been work, work, work...but that has been a lot of fun actually.



It's funny, I have always been driven by that darkness and anger. I realized a few weeks ago that it's basically completely gone. I know it's face now, I know how to deal with it should I be faced with it again. Like I said, it's a blessing, not a curse, especially with how things are going in the world. I consider it similar to exercise, painful at the time, but there are rewards for the pain.

Glad to hear things are going well OP. And glad to have you back and posting in the madhouse. What brought you here originally?

Thanks for your words my friend.

It means a lot to me.

Also I agree with you. We must stand with God and for God.

The plan though, is to let the angels separate the wheat and chaff

You sound like you are angel material

What brought me here originally ?

I was googling can Christians smoke weed

And found a thread on here.

This had to have been over 12 years ago

LOL

(Stil smoking)

Hey!

Love to you also from USA!

I’m glad you are staying encouraged. Thanks for your kind words.

I know when I’m down and others have encouraged me. Or God himself encourages me. I know how that feels. That sense of Hope and goodness. So I feel it’s only right to pay it forward. And I want everyone to have love.

I'm with you. I'm always spreading love and happiness wherever I roam. I've noticed people naturally gravitating towards me. And not for material things. I love it when it happens. I've also learned to love myself. Your threads are outstanding!

Nice thread OP

learn from the darkness

I know that sounds different , or hard to understand

But learn from the pain and sorrow you experience. Learn what is going on, on this planet. Learn what the Bible is revealing to you about this place. See through experience , while the world might leave you or abandon you, what’s within you is ALWAYS with you. And will never leave you. What’s within you will hold you up. (Get to know what’s within you). This is a great blessing.( The Bible says the Hope of Glory, Christ in you. )

There’s lots of false information. Stay observant. Use discernment. Pray. Use more discernment. And be receptive. And trust God. You might not fully believe or understand. But trust God. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.

Experience the light you have within. (Which shines super bright and is not dim.)

Yes in the world the light is dim. And it’s eye full of darkness. But within you the light is radiant, and eye full of light.

So be a bright shining light . So all can see your love. And give respect to God. And offer hope in this valley of darkness. Those who seek the light will find you, and you can fill their cup. Literally emulating Jesus. But it isn’t fill your cup with material thing. It’s filling it with truth and wisdom and love. Redemption. Although being charitable to the poor is still great.

Also Jesus said something like a light isn’t lit to be hidden it’s lit to shine to all.


The weather is stormy and the road is rocky:

The world is going to hit you with a right punch, then a left punch , then it backs off a bit to let you stew in your mind and be tormented in your mind, then an upper cut.

There you are

Sh*t beaten of you

Not wanting to do anything.

Full of fear and doubt.

World got the best of you.

Bruised and broken.

But come on guys. That’s the world. Duh it gets stormy. And rocky. Especially for those who believe. So be an overcomer . Jesus said be of good cheer, I have already overcome the world. Bible also says those who endure until the end will receive the crown of life. So endure! And if you fall down, dust yourself off and get back up (and God might just exalt you higher than you ever could imagine) (maybe some experiences happened to us that hurt , but it helped us grow in humility and truth. ). It starts with step one. Getting back up on your feet.

So if you are down. And low. I know how you feel.

But just get up.

Even if you are so empty.

Get up.

Take it one day at a time.

Don’t leave a heavy burden on your shoulder.

God doesn’t do that. We do it to ourselves . We make such high expectations. How about some compassion torwards ourselves and allowing ourselves to love… before we have the biggest revival earth has ever seen.(revival!) This way we can love truly.

Try your best to live a happy life , be kind to others, pray, offer mercy, help the downtrodden , be charitable to the poor. Offer peace and love to the oppressed. Speak words of life . These are things we can control. Many things are out of our control. But these things are within our control.




Negativity creeping in and fear and doubt:

When that negativity creeps in. Stand strong! Speak with power within. Assure yourself your an overcomer and won’t let the negativity consume you. Speak and know: “ NO. Negativity. I will not let you take control of me today.”

But if the negativity does creep in and you can’t fight it. Give it to God first off. That level of intense angst can only be given to God truly. Don’t be down on yourself. Maybe do something kind for yourself. Like having a milkshake . Simple as that. ( vegans im sorry your doomed) (LOL kidding)

If you are down, and have let the negativity consume you. Don’t just give up. Don’t just stay down. Listen to some awesome music. Make some art. Or go for a 30 minute walk. And I know at first, being negative or depressed, you might not want to go for a walk. But go for a walk anyways. It’s healthy and it does help. Many times I have had negativity and depression cripple me. When you are that low , it’s hard to see the future being positive too. But I walk and just breathe and try to see the good. Walking has greatly helped me. And I hope it can help you too!

So please, see the good.

You are so important to God.

He invites us to his table.

How cool is that ?

Beautiful post. Well said!

great thread

You are so encouraging OP, and it is needed. God bless you