Feeling down and other stuff

[MangArtist]

I was wondering if you guys could pray for me...
Lately I've had VERY low self esteem... To the point where the only thing about me that I'm proud of, a little, is my art. But other than that I, to put it bluntly, I don't really like myself. In some areas, I don't even know why, though.

I also feel kinda bad 'cause a lot of things I'm dealing with I don't tell my parent... It's not that they won't listen. They've told me that I can talk to them whenever. But I always feel like I'll annoy them... I actually feel like that on this site, too. The only reason I was able to post this was because of some encouragement from some friends.

My struggle with porn is also a problem. I've actually doing the best I've ever done, but when I do mess up it hits me really hard and also really gets me down.

So yeah. If you could pray for me and/or have some advice I would really appreciate it.

Thanks.

[Saint Kevin]

I'm praying for you bro, and really, you don't need to get down on yourself. Any time you get those feelings like you aren't worth much, know that those feelings aren't from God (but are a false accusation from the accuser of the brethren - satan). God made you unique, gifted and placed where you are for a mission and a purpose.

Lust has no place in the work that God has given you, and it will have a negative impact on your relationship with God, your relationships with others, and your feelings about yourself. I know, because I struggled with that for many years, and have really just now gotten to the point where it isn't any more.

Realize this: As long as you aren't who God wants to be, you are going to suffer, and so are many others (the brothers and sisters you could be helping, and lost people you could be bringing the love and hope and peace of the Gospel). Having said that, the sooner you deal with your sin and get it out of your life, the better. There is absolutely nothing wrong with admitting failure, and asking for help. Though it is hard, it is the best thing you can do (I know from the tough experience of not asking for help for my own struggle with lust, that so much time and so many opportunities were wasted from not having the humility to ask for help).

Having said all of this, I can also say that simply taking away the bad in your life (porn and whatever else), isn't sufficient by itself. You must also replace that time and energy you spent pursuing the flesh instead pursuing God. The best thing for that is to make a commitment to spending time in the Bible every day (or every other day, or every week to start...you'll get there eventually as God puts a greater and greater love for His word in your heart). Also, go to a bible-teaching and believing church, and make an effort to make friends there and fellowship with them. This will help you tremendously, as will trying to get involved with the older men in the fellowship (many of whom have had the same struggles as you, have overcome, and who are more than willing to do everything they can to help a young man like you).

I hope this has helped, and I will remember you in my prayers. Feel free to PM me or to look me up on YIM. Remember...there is never shame in admitting you are human, and in asking for help. Find people in your life that you can trust with this that are strong believers in the Lord, and ask them for their help.

[Kunoichi]

Mang,.

praying for you hun and I PMed you *smile

[MangArtist]

Thank you, both.

Actually, my parents do know about my battle against porn. Sorry I should have been more clear. I was kinda tried when I wrote that. XD
Thankfully, I don't spend a lot of time looking at that crap. I'm only aloud online for an hour so I don't get to do much.

I have actually just started going to a Youth Group. It's helped a little.

Today, I'm doing better. Pretty much a normal day.

Thank you very much for the prayer and advice. I actually felt a lot better after making this thread 'cause I had been wanting to do it for awhile. What stopped me was I saw all the other things people were dealing with and I didn't want it to seem like I was trying to get attention.

I'll let you know if I get hit again, if you want.

[NJel]

It really helps when you're able to confess your troubles unto your brothers and sisters in Christ, and, as your brothers and sisters, we should always have an open hear to listen and be able to help you through your troubles, so yeah man whenever you have a problem and you're feeling down just let us know.

I know I'll always have the open heart to pray for ya

[AlyssHeart]

Hey Joel..you know you can always ask me..I have told you this before. =D I am glad you are doing better, little bro!! Imma keep prayin'!

[ST. Attidude]

I will pray for you, brother.

And when you are tempted, I hope that you will keep 1 Corinthians 10:13 in mind.

[MangArtist]

Thank you, guys. =)

And thank you for the verse, ST. I will keep it in mind!

I'll keep ya posted then.