What do you do when you feel that God has let you down?

Question

I lost my whole family at once ,my parents and my twin sister in february.I hate God and really feel bitter towards him.This is killing me and pulling me into severe depression.What do you do when you feel God has let you down.How do you survive when you lost all hope and happiness.

Answer 1

Precisely why I don't believe in him. Or, if I DID believe in him, I wouldn't follow him, much less praise him. If he existed, he would have a lot of explaining to do for his bad behavior and lack of compassion.

The only way to survive is to stay strong, and strength comes from WITHIN, not from God. My mother recently died and people would tell me they would pray for me and her. What good is that? It makes THEM feel like they're being "helpful" but in reality it's completely useless to us. If people would stop praying and start doing more TRULY useful things to help others, the world would be a much better place.

I was severely depressed after my one true love died of leukemia when she was still only 17. At the time, I hated everyone and everything in the world, and I saw little purpose for life without her. The happier other people acted and the more they tried to "cheer me up," the angrier I became. Twenty-five years later, I still miss her and think about her every day. I was the ONLY true happiness and light in her life, and she in mine, and it was unfair to both of us that we couldn't share it longer. I know that she wouldn't want me to obsess over it or just quit and give up on life, though, so I carry on as if she were by my side, to honor her memory and make her proud of me.  I keep a little toy gadget on my desk that I bought because I know it's the type of thing she would have enjoyed.  Whenever I look at it, it makes me smile because I can imagine giving it to her as a gift and how she would have reacted and I remember how she used to laugh.

Everyone must come to grips with their loss in their own way.  That's mine.  The LAST thing I need is some feeble-minded religious nut who lives in a fantasy world telling me that I need to move on and let her go because "she's gone to a better place now" or "it's all part of God's plan."  That's a load of c**p and LIES.  The TRUTH is, life sucks.  You won't always have hope and happiness, nor should you expect to.  There is no justice and no fairness, and the sooner you realize that and stand up and face it, the better off you will be.  I'm cynical and I'm d**n proud of it because that is REALITY, but I am still good and helpful to people and I make a positive contribution to society whenever I can, because that is how my girl would have wanted me to be.  All you can do now is to continue on and become the type of person that YOUR family would have wanted YOU to be.

Answer 2

I'm in a similar situation with losing many who are close to me in a short period of time. It really sucks and makes me feel so hopeless sometimes.

I don't think I can give you advice that you don't already know yourself. I think its okay that you feel this way but eventually, you just have to see it as, the people you love are with God and you have to trust that he does have a plan. Even though you feel like its his fault, you have to put all your trust in him that he will get you through it. I know, I know...SO much easier said than done. I sincerely hope that things get better for you.

Answer 3

Don't feel bitter towards God. He did not do this. This is satan's doing.

Answer 4

I have not lost my family, so I will not pretend to know what you are going through. God knows you personally. He loves you unconditionally. Jesus Christ knows you personally and also loves you unconditionally. I am not really sure how to say this, so here it goes. We are born to die. It is part of the plan. But the world looks at death as an end, when it is actually the beginning. I know you are thinking, what am I talking about, but God does not hate anyone. We all are given some very tough challenges in life and it is up to us on how we handle them. Sure this is easy for me to say not have lost anyone as close to me like you have. I know you do not want to hear this, but you need to get on your knees and express to God what you need to learn from all of this and how you can become what He wants you to become. You need to read the scriptures to find the answers He wants to share with you.

Here are somethings that may help you, check out http://www.mormon.org and just listen to these peoples experiences. You will feel the Holy Ghost comfort you and help you realize how valuable you are and how much potential you have. You are in my prayers. Your love ones are in such a wonderful place and will great you one day after you have had a long life staying close to your Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ your Savior and Redeemer. I wish I had more time to share more, but you can find more of this Great and Eternal plan at http://www.lds.org

Farewell.

Answer 5

I'm very sorry for your loss. It is hard to comprehend such a terrible grief. God did not take your family away - circumstances did so. God can't interfere in the events of life that way. If He were to change all circumstances where someone might die or be hurt - life on earth would turn to chaos. No one would have any free will anymore and we'd be reduced to puppets who could only do what God said would not result in a negative outcome. No freedom, no life.

When I'm upset with God I go to Him and tell Him all about how I feel. Because I trust Him I let Him help me get through whatever problem or misery I am going through.  I've had a fair amount of hardships in my life and God helps me go through them. Trusting Him has lifted me out of bitterness and resentment.

I was abused from infancy to my teens in many different and horrible ways. I have chronic health problems and pain. My family has all died but my dad. I lost 3 babies in failed pregnancy miscarriages. My husband is distant and uncaring.  Life has been tough.  God is the One who's love holds me together.

God wants you to pour out your heart to him and cry, scream, cuss or whatever it takes to empty your heart and hopefully bring you to a place where you can let HIM comfort you in your loss. God is incapable of doing evil to anyone. Don't misjudge Him, you need Him very badly and He wants to heal your broken heart.

Answer 6

Annabo.. I'm so sorry to hear about your tragedy.  I'm not sure anyone on here can provide you the answer to your question.   As weird as it seems  I think you need to talk to your pastor or priest.  

There is no way anyone here can help you with such a deep and tremendous loss.   I will say that in times I've had questions about my faith it was in turning to God that I found peace.  

I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Answer 7

To say I'm sorry would'nt encompass the compassion that most feel for you in this time. The saddest thing about life is that it guarentees only one thing and thats the inevitable end. We all will deal with our sins when that time comes. Never think "God" took your family or did not love you b/c free will is the gift we were given and some choose to use it wrongly. The untimely loss of your loved ones is NOT your fault or any Gods. In my mind you now have three of the best guardian angels you will ever need in life. You question surviving without hope, your hope comes from those you loss. Use there influence, knowledge, and love that they bestowed upon you to further their life through your own. Values and Morals are what your parents instill in you, the type of person you are, you owe it to them to persevere. That bond you had with your twin sis, will resonate the rest of your life with every step you take regardless of her passing from this world.

I seriously want you to take comfort in the fact they are in a better place. Every person in my life I has loss, has come back to me in smell, thoughts, memories, just about everything. That is your hope. Cause without HOPE, without FAITH, without BELIEF. We would never be here. To have these pains, and have people you never met reach out and tell you things WILL BE ALRIGHT. More Hope. When you feel you need someone, call a Friend or Relative, or even better get down on a knee and pray. You never know if there's an answer unless you ask. Believe me, hes listening.

Answer 8

At one point God seemed like a monster to me taking away a dream finally come true after years of overwhelming suffering. Yet I decided to continue to trust Him and He brought about an unbelievable plan that was a thousand times better than mine and I am having the best part of my life because of it.  

Answer 9

Can you imagine how Jesus' mother, apostles, and friends felt seeing him being impaled to his death?  And what about all the losses and suffering Job endured? Yet, these people kept faith, and didn't curse God or blame Him for the evil happenings. They prayed and drew all the more closer to God, and He comforted them for their faithfulness.

Answer 10

i would say i'm so sorry for your loss but having felt pain like that i know all the sorries in the world don't make it any better.. so what do you do? what can you do.. i know this isn't comforting but it's the truth and the truth is what you need.. focus first on surviving, if you can do that, eventually you will start to grow.

Answer 11

well. i never have to feel let down, because there is no god. I dont believe in any higher power. if stuff happens, it happens. thats life..life is random. there is no unseen power or force dictating things that happen around me. bad things happen to people and there is nothing that can be done. so..if you just accept there is no god and no plan (which is what people tell themselves when c**p happens to make themselves and others feel better) its a load of bull. just accept things as they are, face value and greive for your family for as long as it takes. but forget about the god stuff. that only makes life more difficult and harder to deal with.  

Answer 12

I am really sorry, buy why blame god, I don't think god wanted you to suffer in such manner. Hope is always there for everyone, I think that I would honor my loved ones making the best of me and keeping them always in my heart, when you forget about them is when they die for ever. God does not punish, god is always the way to find peace in your soul. It most be hard to waist your time blamming it on someone, make them proud they are with you and they live in you. God bless.

Answer 13

First let me say I'm terribly sorry for your loss.

Losing loved ones is a horrible thing but it is no reason to turn your back on God - He did not choose to take your loved ones to anger you or to punish you, it was merely their time.

If you are truly stong in your faith you will know your family is happily in Heaven and you will be with them as well when you pass away.

Answer 14

Realize that God doesn't exist and lean on your friends for help.  You might also consider counseling.  Losing people is never easy and neither is losing your faith but they are both something that everyone must learn to live with to have a healthy life full of empathy and compassion for the people around you.  Not everyone can reach that level but I really do hope that you can.

Answer 15

I had the same feelings before. I cursed God.

Answer 16

"The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong. In all this Job did not sin with his lips. (Job 1:1-42:17)

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. (John 3:16)

All things work together to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Rom. 8:28)

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:38-39)

For He Himself has said "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Heb. 13:5)

Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the LORD. (James 5:11)

God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)

Now the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning. (Job 42:12)

God controls all circumstances. Do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach.

Answer 17

Wow. I'm very sorry about your loss. I can't say that I know what you are going through, but I can say that there is still hope. You can still find joy. You need to get with a good counselor that can walk you through this hard time. You will never get over it, but life can still go on.

Answer 18

God hasn't let you down...I know this sounds stupid for some one who has lost their entire family ... But there is a design and purpose for everything...We just don't always understand it at the time...Your Parents and sister are still with you....Take Care

http://www.amazon.com/Ghosts-Among-Us-Un...

Answer 19

Annabo,

I'm so sorry to hear about all of your loss. My heart goes out to you sweetheart! My recent loss of my mon, dad, grandma, foster sister and her two small children in the matter of a few months - made me feel like I was going crazy. Grief counseling REALLY helps. I got it for free through my local hospice. They're nationwide, so check it out.

Big hugs to you!!!

Grace

Which Athiest, be ashamed of yourself, you heartless fool.

Answer 20

I am sorry for your loss.  My heart and prayers go out to you.

God will never let you down.  The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:5, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."  John 10:10 Jesus tells us that, "The thief (satan) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they (you) might have it (life) more abundantly."

God didn't take your family.  The devil did.  All satan wants is for you to hate God and he will go to any length to see that you do.  

Put your trust in God.  Press in closer to Him.  Let Him be your Comfort.  He will take care of you.

Bad things do happen to good people and when they do we must press in and reach up to God.  He longs to hold us on His spiritual lap and hug us, if we only come to Him and trust Him.  The Bible does say (though the exact verse escapes me at this time) that God will be whatever we need Him to be be it a mother, father, sister, brother, friend, or all in one.  He is always there for you.

This is my favorite verse, and it helps me a lot...

"For I (God) know the thoughts (plans) that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts (plans) of peace, and not evil, to give you an expected end."  ~ Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV)

Answer 21

I am so sorry for you loss.  I don't know what you are going through.  I know it would be extemely difficult to trust God after losing your family.  If it was me in your shoes, I would have no choice but to turn to God for understanding of why this happened.  Of course, I would be heart broken and angry.  But even though I did not feel God's love during my brokeness, I know deep down He will comfort me.  God is a Father to the fatherless.  He will continue to comfort me as I went through this anquish.  I hope you can talk with Him and ask Him anything, whether it's in anger, in tears, in pain, He will be there to help you understand.  Your family loves you and God is your family too.  He is the one you cling too even in the most difficult times.

Answer 22

Think seriously about why you believe in the existence of god at all.  Since there is no evidence of any sort to support such a belief, it is time to stop doing so.

Answer 23

Since you did/do believe in god then maybe you should go to church.  Also if you are depressed maybe you should seek medical help and talk to a doctor.  

Answer 24

I am truly very sorry for your loss. I can't begin to imagine how devastating this must be.

In answer to your question, I have felt a little like God let me down. I didn't feel bitter, just sad.

I've been through depression (not caused by the same situation as the time I felt a bit let down). I even attempted suicide twice. So, I know what it's like to lose all hope and happiness. It was in this instance that I turned to God and asked him to guide me and give me strength for what I had to face in life. The road ahead of me looked very dark and grim. It's been more than two years since then and my outlook on life has changed more than I can describe.

I think we all face situations in life that appear hopeless. For those of us who believe in God I believe hope lies with Him. It certainly doesn't look like it at the start, but once you give yourself to that hope in Him and continue to seek His guidance and strength you'll see things in a different light. His.

God bless.

Answer 25

Read the Stoics: Marcus Aurelius and Seneca.

They teach you how to deal with anything life throws at you, tragedies, crisis, calamities, you name it.

Answer 26

I'm really sorry for your loss... but don't you believe that they went to a better place? Assuming that you also believe in heaven.

Answer 27

Sorry to hear about your family. I don't think God decided one day to take your family out. You should see a therapist to help you through this difficult time. Sometimes life is just difficult but it's life, you'll get through this. Life is also beautiful.

Answer 28

i am truly sorry about what happen to you... but god was never there when i needed him so i never depend on him ever. try having hope that something good will happen dont worry some thing will happen it always does  

Answer 29

your being selfish you should be happy for them not to suffer in this world be happy for them and focus on doing what you need to do in your life to make it better people have to die sometimes its easier to go to a funeral  four than it is to go to four separately but i guess it would give you more time with each of them but just make the best of your life and don't place blame  

Answer 30

You should change your religion. Your current god didnt live up to his end of the bargain. He's not the only game in town, despite what his followers want you to believe. Find another faith.  

Answer 31

you pray and ask why just dont go over board