Jesus spoke
to a group of non-believers about who He was, but they couldn’t understand Him.
Later Jesus said to them again, "I am
going away. You will search for me but will die in your sin. You cannot come
where I am going." The people asked, "Is he planning to commit
suicide? What does he mean, 'You cannot come where I am going'?" Jesus
continued, "You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world;
I do not. That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you
believe that I AM who I claim to be, you will die in your sins." John
8: 21-24
If
you are in need of help, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Lifeline
available 24/7 – no cost – anonymous.
Suicide. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) lists
suicide as the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. The number of suicides is increasing every year in almost all states. Those
who cause their own life to end with self-inflicted injurious action commit
suicide. According to the National
Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) it is the leading cause
of death in those between the ages of 10 and 44 years old. It leaves almost no
group of people untouched—because those left behind are also affected.
No fear of death? Or do they fear death less
than they love life? God commanded…Thou
shalt not kill (Exodus 20:13 KJV)…and that includes one’s own self. You
would assume that mental health issues would be the main cause of suicide, but
the CDC studies indicate that more than half of those who commit suicide did
not have diagnosed mental health issues. There are usually multiple reasons or problems
that cause suicide including:
Relationship
issues
Crisis
in the past two weeks
Substance
abuse – including prescription drugs
Physical
health problems – extreme pain
Job
or financial problems
Criminal
problems
Loss
of housing issues
 |
| Is time running out? Help while you can. |
- Feeling like a burden
- Being isolated
- Increased anxiety
- Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Increased substance use
- Looking for a way to access lethal means
- Increased anger or rage
- Extreme mood swings
- Expressing hopelessness
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Talking or posting about wanting to die
- Making plans for suicide
- Ask. If you are worried, then ask them if they are
considering committing suicide.
- Keep them safe. Reduce access to lethal means.
- Be there. Listen to them.
- Help them connect with someone who can give them more assistance,
like the Lifeline.
- Follow up to see how they are doing.
Personally I was distraught enough at one time to consider suicide. Mine was mainly a postpartum depression issue and I had some counseling with my pastor that helped. Prayer
with someone who is open to God is always helpful. Ask the person if you may
pray with them. God cares and does not want anyone to perish.
For
God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone
who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Prayer ~ Dear Lord, suicide is rising…more
and more people are no longer valuing life. Help them Lord. You’ve said You are
coming back to take those who believe in You home to Heaven, but some are choosing not to
wait. As written in Second Peter…The Lord isn't really being slow about his
promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does
not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9. Help
these forlorn people to know Your love, to repent while there is time…and to
love You and life itself.
©
2020 Text
and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
Unless
otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation,
copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of
Tyndale House
Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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