My World vs The World

"a very personal reflection"

Over the break, rotting away, i've gotten to chance to really think about what im going through. I feel like my life is a mess. Not in an obvious way though, but on the inside, a tornado has torn through and everything is everywhere. Doubt has flooded in and negativity radiates in my mind. Things still feel like they're up in the air, im not sure what to make of it, how much of it is true and how much of it is my mind playing tricks on me. Everything's just a big mess.

Thinking more each day, today i came to this conclusion. My World vs The World.

The World. By saying this, i mean the standards of this world. I guess more towards the academic/future world. Im not trying to boast or anything, just be clear of that. Personally, i havent felt stressed about the entire university thing. I feel very calm, prepared, and im ready for God to guide me wherever he desires. I've always wanted to follow him, but sometimes i can never tell where he wants me to be. The university dilemma, i've always thought, if you make it, you make it. If you dont make it, you dont. I feel like my marks are fine, and will get me where i want to go and i already have gotten offers. I think this is THE WORLD. The things "The World" worries about and cares about. And i feel like i've got that down.

My World. This is in reference to inside, my inner self. From social/physical/emotional side of things. You may or may not have noticed, but loneliness is one of the biggest things i struggle with i think one can say. There are so many things that im dealing with that i want to get rid of, and i want to discover the roots and really destroy it from there instead of the surface pains. From loneliness sprouted the missing sense of feeling good about myself, and about life, from that grew the urge to feel good, which blossomed into temporary satisfaction and sins. The chain continues, as doubt/guilt/anxiety fill in the gaping holes and to be honest im a bit scared of where this may/can lead to. Depression? Suicidal thoughts (but i dont think i have to guts to even attempt that)?

Solution? I honestly dont know. Thinking about all this stuff, from simple things, seeing people together and seeing myself alone, I've been thinking, what is worth living for? If the things of this world is going to fade and deteriorate, why are we still living? Whats the point of all this. Being able to vent out to someone is the best, and im happy i have a PINCH of these people. Talking to him reminded me of so many things. Living for God. He should be enough to live for. And although, yes that is the answer, but sadly i feel like my faith isnt strong enough to say that yet. I feel like many people see me as the mature spiritual one, but when i reflect on it, i dont think im anywhere near spiritual maturity.

So what is the answer? First off, another reminder from the same friend. We're in the midst of Teens Conference at the moment, and he talked to me about their bible study on Hosea. It talked about Hosea and Gomer (who was a prostitute). Throughout the entire passage, Gomer was constantly being unfaithful to Hosea, and long story short, Gomer represents us as Christians and Hosea represents Christ. We are CONSTANTLY going against Christ yet he is still committed to us, continues to love and forgive us. No matter who we are, what we do, God forever loves us. This boggles my mind that God is so willing to care for us and i've even thought, "why is he so stupid for not leaving me. i've done so many things to hurt him and he's just standing there just readying himself to get hurt again". But God is good. All the time.

So we got that down. God forever loves and forgives us when we are unfaithful. But now what? How will this rid of my loneliness, doubt, guilt, and pain? Again, we always point towards the Word. Are you indulging in it everyday? Are you truly spending time with our Saviour? And i confess and admit. No. Im not. And i need to be and should be. But I honestly can say, i dont have the motivation. Why? Im not sure. Why do i allow other things, tv shows, homework, scholarships, overpower and allow devotions and scripture reading to be pushed aside? I need a push. Still a weak Christian, i have lots to learn. I need to fully realize this and i need to put it into action.

Lastly (for now), accountability. I have this with a few people, my pastor who is also my mentor, a close friend or two are there to support me and get me through these rough times. I think i got this down. But if you're reading this and you're going through something, tell someone. A brother and sister in Christ who is spiritually mature and whom you can trust. Accountability is so important. I remember when i first started, i kept telling myself, i can do this with God. All things are possible with Christ right? That is true, but i MYSELF cannot overcome it and be victorious. That's why we are a church and are a family. We are there to support each other. That's why there is fellowship, that's why there is accountability and support, that's why God made other people, for support, love and encouragement. Find that person for you!

More solutions? Im unsure of at the moment. I'll stop here. My process is still going, im still thinking, still reflecting. But at this moment, i can say im at a lower point in life. Feeling lost, sad, alone, and in a blur.

verse of the day: Proverbs 3:5-8

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
⁷ Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
⁸ It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.

Sharpening Skates

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

proverbs 27:17

Tonight at AGAPE we went skating, and i really thought it went better than expected. But i think tonight i really realized and saw friendship again. True acceptance, love, and support. Although i didnt do much skating, i really started to observe others. And seeing them help each other out, seeing them take a step out of their comfort zone and talk to others and mesh with others. I guess you could say i was really proud, surprised, and impressed.

First, i know myself, i still tend to restrict myself from opening up to others, being selfish, but seeing others do that is an inspiration and it pushes me to be like them to follow their footsteps. Just as Jesus did as well. I was proud because I remember when we started out, in our cliques and our groups. Its great to see the growth and how far we've gotten. Praise God.

Like the verse says. Iron sharpens iron, and man sharpens another. Its through this fellowship, this community, we continue to support each other, continue to grow and thrive. We build each other up and i honestly dont know what i'd do without AGAPE or where i'd be now without them. They've sharpened me for sure and im more than blessed to have God place them in my life.

Amen. PTL.

nothing will...

³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

romans 8:38-39

Kelly presented us with this verse at retreat. Its amazingly powerful, looking back on it. That NOTHING on this earth, no power, no person. No creature, no creation, no angel or demon can take away God's love for us. He will forever love us, forever provide for us, and forever be our best friend. Its up to you whether to accept this love or not.

Talking to my friend just now, we talked about acceptance and the love from people. At fellowship, at church, at school, anywhere. The truth is, everyone may say "im here for you", or "im your best friend", but the truth is, we're all going to fail. we cannot satisfy. ONLY God's love will. Thats the greatest news. Dont rely so heavily on people. Unfortunately, they will eventually fail you.

4 out of 5.

"dont get swept away by the waves of temptation"

On Sunday we went to sunday school class, as always, and the overall theme/lesson was campus life, first year, and what we'd encounter. And we talked a LOT about drinking, partying, priorities, and temptations.

I dont know what it was, whether if it was the video, how they created it, the music, the stories, but a lot of it was about drinking, and it made it all seem really real. It made it seem like, that was the biggest thing we'll encounter, and that thats all that campus life is about. Im hoping its not, but we'll find out.

There were stories from going to the hospital, and getting sexually assaulted, and it was just all in my face. But then the next bit was what hit me the most.

"4 out of 5 Christians fall away from Christ when they head to University."

I've heard this several times, but i guess seeing it, and the fact that i was sitting in a room filled with graduates that are in groups of fives. It was all becoming a reality. Sitting in my group, Denton, Bryan, Jasper, Donald, Adrienne. Thats 5. And 4 of them are going to leave Christ? Thats a scary thought.

Talking about alcohol and then people falling away, one person popped into my mind. And worries started to pour in. I was scared he'd be a easy snab by Satan and i cant afford to lose him, or anyone from AGAPE for that matter. I think his faith still isnt strong, he's experimented with alcohol, and i feel like everything we talked about in class was a screaming invitation from the Devil. I can only hope and pray that he wont fall away. There's no way i can check up on him, and i just feel kinda useless and that i cant do anything to help him out. I know to leave it up to God, but i pray and hope i can do everything i can, now and later to make sure it doesnt happen.

4 out of 5 people will fall away from Christ.

Accountability is so important.

Check up on your friends and keep them close.

Find a fellowship ASAP when you get to campus.