How do I strengthen my bond with God?

Question

THIS IS GOING TO BE KIND OF LING AND I AM SORRY IF IT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE!
I’m 16 and I go to a Baptist Church and I was baptized when I was around 10 and I believe God is real and Jesus died on the cross for all our sins. But I go to a high school where there’s a lot of atheists or agnostics and only some Christians who aren’t strong on their beliefs, so there’s always this little bit of doubt lingering behind that the students at my school keep forcing in there and I feel so tempted sometimes to act on some of the sexual desires that I feel because I’m around it all the time at school- I’m not going to lie, in the past I gave in a few times, but only by myself and I’ve never been intimate with a boy and that was almost or over a year ago and I haven’t done it since then because I always felt nasty and guilty. I’ve always been set on waiting until I’m married to my husband to give my body to someone else. I just feel like I’m so distant from God and I’ve tried reading my Bible more and that always lifted my spirits and made me feel warm and love but recently, I don’t know why, but I haven’t been able to really get into reading my Bible like I used to and I pray every night for Him to help me make the right decisions. I just need some help setting my life straight so I can follow God and be right with Him. Please don’t judge and please be nice.

Answer

You can pray to Him often. Pray to him every morning when you wake up, or before you go to school and anytime you feel you need His help throughout the day. Pray to him every night before you go to bed. You could read your scriptures at night, and prayerfully study them. Like, before I read my scriptures, I'll pray to Heavenly Father, and ask Him to help me understand the scriptures so that I will come to know whatever it is that He would want me to know. If I have a specific question about the scriptures, or if there's something I'm struggling with personally, I'll ask for help finding an answer in the scriptures. Then I open my scriptures, and sometimes I get this really strong feeling that I should start with a certain chapter, and in that chapter, I almost always find the answers to my question, and sometimes it's like I find the answers to questions I didn't even know I had. So prayerfully read and study the scriptures and ponder them, and try to apply them to your life. Jesus went through so much when he was here and because he was human, he had to face temptation and sin too, and fear, and anger and frustration, and it was just as hard for him because he was mocked and made fun of, people didn't believe him. They refused to listen to his word. You will face much the same type of issues. And it was hard for him, and it will be extremely hard for you, and you will even make a few mistakes every now and then. But if you will just live your life according to the example that the Savior has set for you, and keep in mind the atoning sacrifices that He made for you and others, you'll get through it and you'll be more at peace with yourself and your decisions. Repentance also plays a major role. You've done things you're not proud of. Prayerfully repent your sins and try not to repeat the same mistakes over and over again, and try to forgive yourself too. That's half the battle right there because even though we know that Jesus died for our sins, and even though we know that Heavenly Father forgives us, sometimes we still feel unworthy of that, and that guilt can hold us back from reaching our full potential. It can keep us from making better decisions, and it can keep us from drawing nearer to Him. It can keep us from really being able to see the many blessings that He has given us. So repent, and know and understand how important it is to forgive yourself so that you can make better decisions in the future. He truly loves you, as He loves all of His children, and He wants you to know how much He loves you, despite whatever it is you think you've done and He will always love you, and He will always forgive you, but you have to forgive yourself too. Last but not least... just do the things that He would want you to do. Again, Jesus was the perfect example. Love one another, always. Forgive those that have trespassed against you, pray for those that need it, reach out and help others, and you can do that just by offering someone a compliment, or being a friend, or just listening to others, or you can do other things such as helping someone mow their grass, or walk their dog, or offer to help clean their house. You can help your parents too. Honor, love and find ways to serve your parents and others. It humbling, and it always helps me feel closer to the Savior and Heavenly Father. Be an example to others. Stand up for what you believe is right, and don't be afraid to share His word and talk about your beliefs. Sometimes you have to be willing to stand alone, but Jesus did too and if He could do it, so can you! Sorry so long... hope this helps!

Answer

Maybe u can try to fast or meditate on his word and pray or listen to Christian music more idk I'm also distant and trying to get into a bond with God again

Answer

1. You need to try to surround yourself with Christian friends!! Christian community is so important for staying grounded in faith. Do you have a youth group at your church? 
2. Attend church regularly. This helps you stay on track as well. 
3. Also, get the Bible app, there are plans for devotions on there for any topic. I’m sure you could type in whatever struggles you’re going through or anything teenage girl related and it’ll be on there. 
4. And like another comment mentioned, find a Christian YouTuber. I’m 25 and married, so I know we’re at different stages, but when I’m feeling weak or distant from God I’ll look up some of the people I follow and just watch and listen to whatever God points my way. It feels refreshing. 
5. And pray pray pray!!! I know you mentioned reading your bible, but find times throughout your day to talk to God. Tell him how you feel, open up to him about your temptations. Tell him the true desires of your heart and pray for strength and guidance. The more you stay with God, the more you will feel the Holy Spirit guiding you throughout your day. If you stray, that’s when it’s harder to hear Gods calling for you. I’m praying for you too 🙏🏼

Answer

Don't feel bad for what you're going through. I completely understand how you feel, and have been through that in high school. Try studying the Bible in a new way, or listen to Christian YouTubers. I like to listen to Joyce Meyer on Christian Peace Broadcast, and Emma Mae Jenkins. Try surrounding yourself with more things that glorify Christ. Go out of your way to to help everyone, especially those who are atheists, maybe God brought that to your attention so you could show them the light of Jesus Christ through your actions. Write down your favorite Bible verses on flash cards and create your own prayer wall, and highlight the prayers that are answered so you can have visual evidence of your answered prayers. 
Just know that you are not alone and you are loved. This feeling that you're having is temporary, it's a feeling, and feelings come and go. But the Truth will never change, and it will set you free. The Truth is, that you are saved and you are a child of God. And no guilt, or pain, or shame can ever change the Truth that you are Gods daughter. His love is kind and slow to anger. Do not be anxious about anything! No matter what past sins you've committed, every morning God forgives you. So rejoice, and always give thanks! Talk to Him first thing in the morning and right before you go to bed. Count your blessings and praise God that you are aware of when His holy presence is near you, and when He wants you pursue Him. You are doing everything right, you are continuously pursuing a relationship with Jesus Christ and that is beautiful. Don't worry if you don't always feel "right," when doing it. You're human, don't beat yourself up about it❤️

Answer

I feel for you! Just remember that whatever embarrassment, abandonment, betrayal, or hurt you feel because you’re following Christ, Jesus felt first. Don’t live your life for your temporary home, live for your eternity. God never abandons his children and he will NEVER do anything that isn’t best for you. I went to a public school growing up and it was so hard trying to not only avoid confrontation but be a leader and spread the word of God to people who seemed to have absolutely no desire to hear what I had to say. Just know that you’re never alone, it’s not your job to convince anyone of the truth. That’s Gods job. You are simply called to tell them about what the Son of God did for this world and the love he has for us. Be open and eager to share the good news. The worst thing we could do to our fellow neighbors is to avoid sharing God’s love for them out of fear of momentary discomfort. Hold your head high and never settle for less than what you deserve. You are a daughter of Christ. I personally wish I would have waited. It is my biggest regret. You are worth waiting for and the right guy will be able to not only see that, but be excited that you value yourself and your relationship with Christ enough to stand firm on your beliefs. I hope any of that speaks to you! You are SO loved, remember that 💕

Answer

Always be Thankful! And pray without ceasing. prayer is your communication with God so that means you can talk to Him and praise Him in your heart and mind anywhere you are . remember he will never leave or forsake you as long as you are trusting in Him .you know as I'm reading everybody's comments, I'm thankful to Yah(God) for all of you sisters out here willing to help. God bless all for you 🙌🙌

Answer

Prayer is good! and a sense of community is fantastic, are there other teens at your church or teens at nearby similar churches? If not, you could use social media to connect with other Baptist teens. Bible study groups are also great, even if you're not in the same age group. Feeling a disconnect with God because of your environment can be such a struggle. I'll be praying for you. P.S. I don't 100% know, but I don't believe self-pleasure is such a terrible thing for an unmarried woman. It's definitely better than sex before marriage. Just don't over indulge. Good luck!

Answer

Just read even if you dont want to. Just like children are to obey their parents even when they dont want to. It is work to have a solid relationship with God it wont come easy. Just as it didnt come easy for anyone in the bible. We owe thanks for everything. We are nothing without God. I have learned over these last few years that although it isnt easy to follow Gods laws it makes life SO much easier and once i started to realize that they are there for that reason I couldnt stop being thankful. I fall short everyday but I will try everyday to do better and to do what he asks..

How do I strengthen my bond with God?

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