You are special!
“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7). There is something comforting about the realization that God brought each one of us into existence. God is the giver of life; not only to Adam (whom this scripture is referring to), but to every child born into this world. You are special because God created you!
If you are going through a time of suffering or sickness, you may have despaired of life. You may also wonder why you were brought into existence. Being born into difficult circumstances does not mean that God loves you less than He loves anyone else. The heart of our loving Father is touched with your pain and suffering. He longs to bring quietness and peace to your troubled heart and life. Does the mental anguish caused by depression or difficult circumstances make you wonder if life is worth living anymore? If this is something you are experiencing, this message of hope and warning is surely for you. If you have been tempted to end it all and be done with it, stop!
There is hope for you. Jesus Christ came to save you and give you peace. Please consider the love God has for you and the care He longs to give you. Just as only God is the giver of life, He alone has the right to end human life. The violent or non-violent taking of any human life is forbidden by God (Exodus 20:13, Matthew 5:21). This means that murder and suicide are both sin in God’s eyes, having eternal consequences.
Life and Death
There is a big difference between life and death. Life is our opportunity to choose God and truth, to pray, and to be forgiven. No matter how dark or difficult life becomes, with God there is hope for change. Life is so short and death is so final. Our eternal existence after death is so long—longer than a million lifetimes.
Life has purpose! God has placed us here for a reason. It is a time of opportunity to learn about God’s love for us. Death is serious because after death we face God’s judgment (Hebrews 9:27). The Bible teaches that there is both eternal life and eternal death. Again, a big difference.
Circumstances
The circumstances we find ourselves in are often beyond our control. Although we are unable to change them all, with God’s help some of them can be changed. Positive changes set us on a path that will make a big difference.
We must believe that God is good and that He is in control. “[God] is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). He delights in doing good to us. “All things work together for good to them that love God” (Romans 8:28). Even if we do not see them, there are things in life that are good. We need to acknowledge and be thankful for those good things.
Choices
We all have made some wrong choices. Another wrong choice is not the answer. We may not be able to turn the world around, but we can decide to make good choices. Making a good choice and staying with that decision will make a difference. Much discouragement is brought on because we do not stay with the good choices we begin to make. Good things take patience.
Thought Patterns
Sometimes in our thought patterns, we accuse ourselves more than we should because things have happened to us that are not our fault. Sometimes, though, we blame others for things that are our fault. Either way, blame causes bitterness, and bitterness leads to discouragement. We need to seek for and accept the forgiveness, hope, and healing that God offers each of us.
Dark thoughts can come easily. They may seem compelling, and we may feel bound to them. We do not need to follow those dark thought patterns. We may have failed to see the little light there is, but it is there! God always provides a little light, and that little light will open into greater light if we follow it. It is worth the effort to change direction.
Winning the Battle!
The battle against depression and suicidal thoughts is a personal one. Often the battle will rage the hardest when we are alone and there is no one to help. Mental anguish is so real and so difficult that it finally threatens our life and existence. It is a battle that those around us, no matter how much they care, will not be able to fully comprehend or understand.
Sometimes it seems we are forced to fight some battles alone—but we are NOT alone!
There is something in man that reaches out to a higher power when there is nowhere else to turn. Many times those in the heat of the battle or on the verge of attempting suicide have cried out to a higher power for help. “God, if You are really there, now is the time I need You!”
God is there! He hears. He understands. He helps. Those who turn to God for support and strength are able to survive and move beyond this crisis.
Our lives have a purpose. With God, it is not about changing who we are or recreating ourselves into the kind of person we think we can be happy with. It is about accepting ourselves as the beautiful person God made us, that He has a plan for our lives, and that He loves us and has a place for us.
Please believe that God’s promises are true—He will make a way for you. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” It pains the heart of God to see man, his creation, struggling under a load of guilt and, ultimately, despair. Let Him help you and you will find rest. In his Word, Jesus invites, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Suicide is not an answer to your problems. Jesus is the answer! He will help you win the battle!