Over the last three years, I’ve talked to a lot of hurting people. Some I’ve met face-to-face, and others I’ve spoken to through social media. The stories of pain I’ve heard are incredible and real. In the middle of astonishing hurt, I believe there is hope.
Here are three things I’ve told people struggling with suicide and other pain, summarized in ten words.
1. You are not alone.
One of the first lies struggling people believe is “I am alone.” And while it’s true that no one understands your pain but you, I guarantee there are others facing the same struggle (I’ve heard dozens of their stories myself).
If they have found victory, you can find victory.
2. God loves you.
When I tell someone hurting, “God loves you,” they’ll often reply, “How could He?”
Whatever you believe about God has been shaped by your worldview and experiences. Instead of basing God off these variables, go back to the source. See what the Bible itself says about God loving a broken world. Dare to believe these promises:
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.
Isaiah 53:5
But He was pierced for our transgressions;
He was crushed for our iniquities;
Upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
And with His wounds we are healed.
Romans 5:8
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
God isn’t waiting for you to overcome your struggle before you come to Him. I’ve personally heard dozens of stories of lives saved by the love of God. Check out this video from speaker Nick Hall about suicide.
3. Find someone you trust.
The final four words are the hardest. Suicide is often accompanied by incredible guilt or shame. Sometimes it’s tied to a certain event; other times it simply arises from our crushed view of ourselves.
God isn’t looking on you with shame. He looks on You with love. And if God looks on you with love, then His children are going to look on you the same way.
The challenge is this: Find an older Christian man or woman who you trust, and tell them your struggle. Maybe it’s your pastor or youth pastor; maybe it’s a family friend. Whoever it is, don’t keep this struggle to yourself. Share your struggle with someone else, and get the help you need.
Suicidal thoughts and actions can spring out of many causes, mental and medical. This struggle is worth finding help. This is your life, and God made you with a purpose. Ultimately, the fight against suicide is a fight to see ourselves the same way God sees us.
[share-quote author=”” via=”CamdenMcAfee”]Ultimately, the fight against suicide is a fight to see ourselves the same way God sees us.[/share-quote]
What ways have you found to help friends or family struggling with depression or suicide? If you’ve had these thoughts, how do you fight against it / what questions do you still have unanswered? Share in the comments below! [comments]Comments[/comments]