Staying Focused?

[loolalooh]

I guess I've kind of fallen off my spiritual walk a bit lately. It started with reconnecting with some college friends, then returning to the club/bar scene, then returning to secular music, etc. Hence, my decline in posting in this forum lately. My Bible has also started to collect dust.

I would like to get back to my daily absorption of the Word and time with God, but one thing is scaring me: The solitude that came with it. The more I delved into the Word, the more I separated from my friends and the world. The more people thought I was "odd". The more I felt like a loner in my quest to grow spiritually.

My question is: How do I stay focused on spiritually maturing without feeling isolated? (Please give suggestions beyond joining small groups, etc.)

Thanks in advance.

 

[Shinka]

Are you part of a congregation? This isn't advice cause I haven't lived this, but many of the family I know that change their life for lord simply became friends with those in their church. They hung out with them more outside of church and as they had children etc...the bonds grew. many of relationships they had previously drfited away or the ones that remained with the "less religious" simply involved a respect of differing views and simply enjoyment of the others company/friendship based on the nonreligious similarities.

 

[LifeafterLHCF]

Small groups and just mixing with those who are doing the same.Birds of a feather flock together so to speak.I don't attend a church but people I surround myself with do go to church or they are really deep into their walks that reading the bible or praying is just like breathing.I so understand about losing focus but at least you weren't so off that you didn't feel God's gentle tugs at your heart to come back to him.Have a love session with God..he is your father..telling your heart..he already knows..just be open..and at times God will separate us from friends and the world because he molding you and pruning you..I know for me I see my current situation as a means of God trying to grow me up so when I do get to the point of being ready to transition into my career I will be ready..big hugs my sis..welcome back

 

[topsyturvy86]

Are you involved in a church? If yes, join a cell group as not only will it help you grow, the fellowship will probably lead to some friendships. Also, if you're part of a church, start serving in some capacity in an area you feel led to and you can utilize your gifts for the Lord. As well as serving God, you can again build friendships.

 

[CoilyFields]

I was lonely too and so asked God to give me friends that HE wants me to have. He blessed me with a best friend who is chasing after God just as hard as I am. If he could look and see that Adam was lonely and create a companion for him...wouldnt he do the same for us if we are seeking friendship?

Ask Him.

 

[loolalooh]

Are you part of a congregation? This isn't advice cause I haven't lived this, but many of the family I know that change their life for lord simply became friends with those in their church. They hung out with them more outside of church and as they had children etc...the bonds grew. many of relationships they had previously drfited away or the ones that remained with the "less religious" simply involved a respect of differing views and simply enjoyment of the others company/friendship based on the nonreligious similarities.

This may be part of the problem. I just recently moved to another part of the country. In my previous city, I had a church home and church family. I found a church here but I have to move again in another week, so I didn't make the effort to connect with that church. (Been here for a couple of months.)

 

[loolalooh]

I was lonely too and so asked God to give me friends that HE wants me to have. He blessed me with a best friend who is chasing after God just as hard as I am. If he could look and see that Adam was lonely and create a companion for him...wouldnt he do the same for us if we are seeking friendship?

Ask Him.

I needed to hear this. Thanks. I was praying for such a friend, but stopped a while ago. Got discouraged especially with my current set of friends drawing me out to "worldy" events. I'll get back to praying for friends that He wants me to have. Persistence.

 

[loolalooh]

Thanks for all your input, ladies. I knew I could count on the CF. When I move again, I'll link up with a new church. (It's exhausting starting the church hopping process again, but it has to be done.) I'll also return to praying to Him for a friend who is on the same or more advanced spiritual walk.

 

[phynestone]

Find new activities beyond the usual - book clubs, sewing, sports, choir, etc.

I also pray to God for Godly friends and ask Him to bring them to my life.

 

[Ms Lala]

I have asked God to help me connect w/people that can help me in my walk w/Him and He has done so. He can use you to change your friends or provide you w/new ones who support you.