Anyone find solace in a religious and/or spiritual practice? Would be curious to hear people's experiences and ideas...

How interesting that you posted this question. I am struggling with religion right now and am trying to find God in my life again. I used to be such a devout, religious person (even played the organ at church for 14 years!). This past year (since my hysterectomy), I am struggling spiritually. I can't find the faith that I need to get me through my struggles & depression. Oddly enough, my husband has come to the same conclusion and he, too is needing to find God again. It's difficult enough trying to battle depression, anxiety and my hormonal imbalance. Trying to do this without faith simply maginifies the struggles.

I don't want anyone to think I'm preaching because what I'm going to say is strickly about me and my thoughts on religion.

I do believe in God, and I think I would be in much worse shape if I didn't. He has answered my prayers, got me through nights that I couldn't even hold it together enough to pray. On those nights I just lay my problems at God's feet and ask him to take care of me.

I have had prayers answered and I try never to say a selfish prayer (asking for material things I can do without.) I'm not in the pews in church every sunday, as I should be.

Somehow, God is the only thing I have never lost faith in. Not when my depression was so bad I feared I would die. Not even while I was holding my dad's hand and watching him die.

I think this has helped me through a lot of things. If my depression is this bad now, I can only imagine how bad it would be without God.

OK, that being said...I'm not a religious zealot. I don't preach to people, and just for good measure, I do my share of swearing sometimes. I repect people regardless of their religious beliefs or lack of them. It's not up to me to judge anyone. So all of you who have read this please know I love all of you. I accept you for who you are.

Best Wishes,
Whisper :wave:

Could not have gone on had I not focused on the Lord's promises, pinkeetoz

Hi Y'all, Yup, I'm from Texas. :)

I just joined tonite but wanted to put in my 2 cents worth. I also feel like I need to get back my faith. I definately believe in God, it's just that I am not as close to Him as I used to be. I am struggling with depression and it makes me so mad. It's not like my life is horrible. I have so much to be thankful for. I've been on many meds over the years, but am not currently on any meds. I was on Zoloft for about 3 yrs prior to finding out last August that I have Autoimmune Hepatitis, so now I can't take any anti-depressants. I will continue to read the forum. It does help to talk with people who have similar problems and I love how you all encourage one another. Sorry if this seems disjointed..... I am another one with sleep problems and it's almost 3 am here. Guess I should try to sleep.

Hugs,
Skeeter

I can only tell you about MY experience. Without God and faith in my life I really believe I'd give in to all my negative emotions & thoughts and want to die. Because of Jesus Christ and the cross, I have real hope, not only for THIS time and world, but for the next, that I look forward to. Not only has He given me true hope, I have a whole other "family" at my church who are there for me whenever I need them. I wish this for all of you here reading this right now. And I know, you may think I'm crazy or leaning on a "power" outside of myself...well, maybe I'm both! LOL All I really DO know is that I'm a happier and more stable person because of my faith. AND I really believe there is a whole lot MORE after death. This is NOT all there is. If you would like to know more, I would recommend reading a book called, "The Evidence Bible: Irrefutable Evidence For The Thinking Mind" Compiled by Ray Comfort. God Bless everyone. :angel: Kym.

Hi Kym, Thanks for the reply! I have no doubts about God or Jesus. I guess I've just let the world kinda take over and need to get back to a stronger faith! Depression is the pits. I know I should be able to overcome it thru the Word of God, but I struggle (as I guess most of us do). I'm gonna keep reading and posting. Thanks for being there!
Hugs, Pat

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

Quilty, true thoughtful words. Skeeter, look for Him and you will find him. Seek for Him with all of your heart and He will reveal himself to you!

Kym and Quilty........ Thanks!!!!!!
Hugs, Skeeter

i to am going through hormonal changes and then a depression hit with anxiety. i do believe that God is always there even when it doesn't seem like it. we will never be without problems or trials in this life. but faith will help get you through. He promises never to leave us and God is not a liar. keep going to church and get involved in something bigger than yourself. keep the faith.

Thanks Marian! I've been trying to focus more on my blessings than my problems. I appreciate all of you here!
Skeet

What denominations do you all attend/belong to? I am considering attending a UCC (United Church of Christ) service this Sunday. Their slogan, "God is still speaking," is pretty cool.

I found spirituality by going to Al-Anon meetings. They share a lot of good living tools too. There usually are meetings everywhere, usually more than once a week, and are a good source of support. spirituality and 12 step programs have saved/changed my life!

I can honestly say I've never found comfort in religion. It's only made me scared, guilt-ridden, and anxious, and finally, I quit it altogether. I simply don't feel as if God exists, and whenever anyone, no matter how passionate, tells me of his love, it moves me about as much as if they were informing me my shoelaces were untied.

Spirituality, on the other hand...I have mixed feelings about that. I think there is a spiritual side to most people that has to be satisfied somehow, but I don't think mass religion is a good answer. I've always been fond of Buddhism, but it's a very difficult thing for most people (myself included) to truly grasp.

These are only my opinions, though. Good luck finding something that helps. :)

My deep faith is what got me through my two month ordeal of not leaving my bedroom.Not even my girlfriend supported me.Jesus always does.
p.s. The lord adds life to your years......................