Desparate times call for desparate measures and a growing number of people are taking the suicide measure way out of their desparation. This is a severe and extreme tragedy facing not only the secular world but also the church. Why, if God is so good and powerful, and The Answer to life, are so many followers of Jesus Christ taking suicide as their escape route answer?
Hey, let me say at the outset here, I'm not condemning the person who is so miserable, lonely, at the end of their life rope, that they go to such drastic action. It is truly heartbreaking. Learning more about this issue is a good and hopefully even a pre-emptive exercise. Let us consider it.
Backtrack some to get an overall perspective of this issue before answering the questions. Start off with the definition - people harm themselves with the goal of ending their own life. The term "attempted suicide" is when they try to achieve that but fail. There are many reasons they motivate themselves toward this 'goal' and various ways used towards such a demise.
I mostly address believers in Jesus Christ with this suicide issue but non-believers, please take heart too. Here's a word of comfort at the outset from God himself as written through a man called the apostle Paul in Romans 14:7 NIV. He told the Roman believers,
"For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone".
There can be ounces of comfort in these words to know there should be at least one other person who will miss you when you die. There is also injunction to know that whatever an individual does, will have a ripple effect upon others - be those others few or many.
In the world it has been recorded, per one Google article I researched, that an estimated one person in 5000 commit suicide. In one country reviewed it was found that from 2017 to 2019 to 2021, the number of suicides per 100,000 for their population were 8.6% to 9% to 81 % respectively! In 2020 there were 631 cases and in 2021, 1,142 cases. It could be the factor of Covid-19 scaring people or confining them in with bully perpetrators or being locked down alone during lockdowns but still, can you see how this tragic problem is becoming more extensive? Again, I say, it makes my heart weep.
Yet believers in Jesus Christ tend to avoid discussing this topic of suicide. People feel discomforted and shame to let anyone know they may be thinking of attempting it themself. Or, some even think if this topic is discussed it may cause another to become more suicidal. So most people will keep mum.
It certainly is a hush-hush topic! I'd never even considered studying it before it was brought to my attention this far on in my life. Thankfully, in these lessons by Rob Harbison, which he entitled Moral Issues Facing the Church, I've gotten some insight. I'm so glad to be learning even to a limited degree. Awareness is a good thing.
You might think, "Oh, I'd never commit suicide! Why should I study such a topic!?" I'd answer, "You just never know and it could be a great pre-emptive strike against such action." When one realizes and gains some understanding and insight of the why's and wherefore's and how to get help to get through the desparate situations that can come upon a person, without harming ourselves. Knowing truth surrounding suicidal actions can create beneficial preventional measures.
Accordng to the Suicide and Prevention Resource Center, the second leading cause of death among youth between the ages 10-14, and young adults aged 25-34, is suicide. This statistic was ascertained from 2011 to 2020. It is important then to discuss and educate young people about suicide and its prevention.
Different age groups will often have different reasons for their own death wish. Needless to say, whatever the reason, please stop and consider and realize there is hope. Someone does love you and cares about you. That Someone is Jesus. Please opt to read through this entire article despite its lengthiness. Talk to someone who cares. I pray there is someone there for you! Cry out to God at all costs.
Is your stressful stituation that's triggering suicidal feelings from relentless bullying, child abuse, incest, rape, loss of a spouse/girlfriend/boyfriend; a long-term illness, mental health, financial troubles or other problems? Often these issues will push someone to be 'at risk'.
There are times of abject stress that a person may attempt suicide but actually want to fail at it as they do not really wish to die. They may show signs but if no one is hearing them, they desparately wanted help but couldn't seem to get it. Therefore, they resort to drastic measures. They hope to jolt family or friends out of their complacency to SEE them, to HEAR them, as they beg for help. Alert family members, friends, or brothers and sisters-in-Christ will counsel and encourage the person to get needed help.
Some people may attempt suicide in order to escape life's problems. Possibly they believe to end it all will be better for everyone as they see no other way out of their delimma. However, the problem is still there and as "none of us lives or dies to ourself", someone else gets stuck with solving the problems the escapist leaves behind, whether it be large gambling debts or a host of other possible triggers.
Lonely people will feel like they belong no where, have low-self-esteem and that no one cares so "going away" is a no-brainer to them and if they 'disappear' it won't make a dent in society or so-called circle of family or friends. Know that Jesus cares very much. He is always with you and available 24/7. His ears are always open to your cry. He's the best Friend anyone could have. Talk to Him and do call a crisis center too to speak with someone 'with skin on'.
It's quite true some people have no vision of a brighter tomorrow. Their problems seem so huge, looming and on-going, one thing after another and for a very long time - years or decades even. One day they may feel enough is enough and attempt suicide to get away from it all. Know that there is no problem too big God cannot solve it (as a line from a song sings, He Will Carry You Through).
Of course He doesn't wave a magic wand and all the bad stuff goes away. However, he does walk through your valley's with you and doesn't give more than you can bear (see Pslam 23:4 & 1 Corinthians 10:13). If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, know that our difficulties are opportunities to learn to trust God more, to build our faith in Him.
As one Australian lady put it,
"Sometimes when you're in a dark place, you think you've been buried but you've actually been planted" (Christine Caine).
It may sound glib but I've had some experience of this. Ask for wisdom if you feel you lack it, in helping to get through the trying times. Build patience along with that faith and know His love which does indeed surround you. Ask Him to show you. He did for me and you are also the apple of His eye - His child - He'll do so for you too.
Like the Romans' verse quoted earlier states, none of us dies or lives to ourself alone. There are repercussions especially for immediate family and friends. Suicide also doesn't end the pain. If you are a Christian, your pain is ended, yes, but your loved ones will suffer anguish of mind like they'd been hit in the head by a truck wondering why they didn't see that coming, thinking, "Why ? We didn't know he or she was so depressed and suicidal. Oh Lord, how could we have missed it?" Guilt and devastation will about overwhelm them.
For the non-believer in Jesus Christ, the pain will intensify, not only for their loved ones but for him or herself. The after-earth life will only be torment unquenched. If one fails in ones attempt at suicide, the problems could well be further compounded. Suicide is not a way of escape.
For the person considering suicide, one can understand that his or her emotional feelings will be all over the place giving motivation to carry through with the plan to 'end it all'. Emotions such as loneliness, low self-esteem, feeling no one cares about him or her as listed earlier are some of the feelings you may be experiencing. In other instances there are voices whispering dark things and even urging a 'victim' to end their life. Then there are others with mental health issues compounding and compromising ones' emotions.
It can be hard to imagine for anyone who hasn't experienced such lows and factors in their life but as a follower of Jesus Christ, let's try to empathize and show compassion to our fellowman or woman who may be reaching out in hope - even for just a wee glimmer of it, enough to abandon their plan. Or, maybe that person is you, the one reading this here and now. There is hope. Please read on.
Later on, we'll look at some ways you can help someone in their low estate. Let's look at some other things first though.
Nowadays one hears much about "quality of life". This terminology has basically overidden the more preciously used term - the one that has greater backbone, that is, "sanctity of life".
According to Oxford Languages online dictionary, 'quality of life' is,
"...the standard of health, comfort, and happiness experienced by an individual or group."
The choice of living and dying, should there be a long drawn out terminial illness, and the like, is up to the individual to decide their own level of comfort and/or termination of their own life as assisted by a physician.
On the other hand, there's the 'sanctity of life' persuasion. This is left up to God, our Creator who has all our days numbered and the authority and power to give life and breath or to withdraw it (see Psalm 90:12; Deuteronomy 32:39). The lives of all mankind are in God's hands. Followers of Jesus Christ must remember this at all times.
No matter your health or financial situation, your love life going down the tubes or other such staggering problems, know that whichever attitude a person operates from, either the "quality of life" or the "sanctity of life" view, it will alter ones opinion regarding suicide. Christians MUST view from God's perspective, no matter how painful ones situation may be.
In conjunction with "quality of life" runs another phrase, "die with dignity". This is often implemented not only with patients in critical condition but with the elderly and infirm with the limitations the wear and tear of life have placed upon them such as less mobility, loss of memory and so forth. "Voluntary euthanasia" as it is so coyly termed, looks like "dying with dignity". One will not have to be helped to dress, go to the bathroom, or be fed by others any longer. No more ungainliness displayed. If you think about it, you may simply agree, saying, "Yeah, if or when I get to such a stage, I don't want to hang around" but brother or sister-in-Christ, you belong to God and you can't just simply throw yourself away.
One can understand the end-of-life now process and wish to avoid undue suffering, to independently control and keep autononmy desires. Yet the voluntary euthanasia, doctor assisted, termination of life should be struck from a believer's mind, heart and vocabulary. Stay your hand!
For a dying patient in their very last days, terminal sedation, and/or a refusal of medical assistance (CPR resussication/defibrillation, removal of ventilators, etc) is not a death wish, the way I see it, as the patient is about to expire and has only been 'kept alive' by machine. However, it is still God's timing as to when the last breath is taken.
Even if a person is not in the medical profession, I believe the distinction is clear. For a dying patient in the last throes of breath, sedation will help provide greater comfort but that is not suicide, nor is it assisted suicide or murder. Dying can be ugly and suicide is never dignified.
"Physician assisted suicide" is a crime in many places. But in countries where it has been legalized, there are certain criteria that have to be met. For instance, the person must be terminally ill, of sound mind, voluntarily and repeatedly expressing the wish to die. (This is information one can easily 'Google'.) The doctor prepares the concotion but the person administers the lethal dose by their own hand. The terms and conditions do vary from country to country.
You may be amazed to realize that the Hippocratic Oath medical doctors vow has been altered over the years from its original declaration of,
"I will not give a lethal drug to anyone if I'm asked nor will I advise such a plan."
The Nazi's during WWII certainly did not respect human life and many brutal dictators before and since have culled people they felt to be a drag and threat on society.
In 1948 the Oath became,
"I will maintain the utmost respect for human life."
In 2006, it was further diluted to state,
"A physician shall always bear in mind the obligation to respect human life."
In the Roman Catholic catechism, they still revere God and the sanctity of life. They maintain
"God is the Creator and Author of all life".
Whether one is talking about abortion, murder, genocide or suicide, God is still, and always will be, the Creator and Author of all life. We must always take God's view and interpret from His perspective. He is the Author of life. He is the one who gives life and breath and we should never take someone else's nor our own life.
So saying, I actually call "physician assisted suicide," 'murder' and an affront to God Himself. We need to let Him be the Author and Finisher not only of our faith, but of our very life and breath, no matter the motivating temptation to accept the manmade way out (Hebrews 12:2).
When you turn to the Bible, you'll discover several Bible characters who committed suicide. How many can you think of? There was Samson who brought the house down upon himself along with thousands of enemies (Judges 16:30); Abimelech who wished to die by his sword having been mortally wounded by a woman and his pride didn't want it to be said a woman had killed him (Judges 9:54); King Saul and his armor-bearer who fell on their swords (1 Samuel 31:4); Zimri who burned himself alive in his house (1 Kings 16:18); Ahithophel and Judas Iscariot who both hanged themselves (2 Samuel 17:23 & Matthew 27:5).
Further to those who committed suicide are those who called to God asking for a death wish fulfillment. However God knew what they needed instead. There were Rebekah who was depressed, feeling her life wouldn't be worth living should Jacob take a wife from among a certain group of people (Genesis 27:46); Solomon who thought life had become meaningless and was depressed by it (Ecclesiastes 2:11, 15-16, 21-243). He eventually wrote some rather positive remarks which included God (Ecclesiastes 8:11; 9:1; 11:1,6; 12:1, 13). There was Elijah who had become physically and emotionally exhausted but God let him sleep and eat 'angel food cake' to help correct his thinking (1 Kings 19;4, 10); dear ole Job who came to rest in God's compassion and mercy (Job 3:11, 20-22 and James 5:11); Jonah who was angry at God but knew the truth of His compassion (Jonah 4:1-3, 9), and over in the NT there was the apostle Paul. He became overwhelmed by trials but learned that God's grace was sufficient to give him strength and endurance (2 Corinthians 11:23-25; 2 Corinthians 1:8; 3:5; 12:9-10 and especially 2 Corinthians 1:9). How gracious our loving Heavenly Father was to them all. As His children today, we too, have the same access to His compassionate love and care. Cry out to Him. His ears are always open to you.
God, who made the world, is the One who gives us life (Acts 17:25 & 1 Timothy 6:13). We therefore belong to Him because He made us, right? Of course right! So saying, there should be no unauthorized shedding of blood; of someone elses nor of our own (Psalm 100:3; Genesis 9:6; Exodus 20:13; Romans 13:9).
It is also noteworthy that those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior, are the temple of the Holy Spirit who indwells us. We are told to honor God with our bodies because of this (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Let us love ourselves, not in proud arrogant ways, but by accepting ourselves for who we are: children of God, made in His image and the One who has loved us first. When we love ourselves then we will be better motivated to honor our bodies and to see our value, and other peoples' value - precious jewels in God's sight (see Malachi 3:17 KJV and Zechariah 9:16 NIV).
Our Creator God tells us
"we are not our own" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20),
primarily because He made us and gave us life. Secondly, a follower of Jesus Christ doubly belongs to Him because He bought us with a price that is, by shedding of His blood. In this case we have not only been made by Him but we have also been redeemed by Him.
Fellow brothers and sisters-in-Christ, we can and do come upon terrible times in life: trauma from severe childhood abuse, PTSD from active duty war; incest by someone who was supposed to have been your protector and have loved and cared for you in appropriate ways but who violated you instead; rape; financial losses among so many other triggers. Yes, we may indeed wish ourselves away. However, if God is the Giver of life, who are we to take our own? This is not sanctioned by God. He has all our days numbered so we need to put in our full time (Job 14:5-6).
When we are so down and out, exhausted, physically, emotionally, mentally drained as some of those Bible characters were, beg God to help teach you to number your days according to His ministering so we can put in the full measure He has assigned to each of us no matter how awful they may be or we feel they are (Isaiah 30:18; Psalm 90:12).
"The Lord still waits for you to come to Him so He can show you His love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for Him to help them. Lord, teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (NLT).
See that? The Lord is waiting for you to come to Him. He's not forcing you. He waits and is ready to give you love and compassion. It is His gracious alternative to suicide.
He loves you! He made you. You are His creation. Don't shed your blood untimingly. May God's grace be sufficient for you to #1, love yourself, and then #2, love that difficult neighbor. Love with the love of God who whether we like it or not - made them too.
He is faithful. Please wait and gain a heart of wisdom from your loving, living Creator, God. If you are not yet a follower of Jesus Christ there is still hope in Him. He's waiting for you too!
If anyone feels life has lost its meaning, that it's no longer worth living, why don't you study the book of the Bible called Ecclesiastes. It was written by King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived. At times he felt life was excessively meaningless. Nevertheless, do read the short book in one sitting and get the overview feel. Despite many of his negative vibes he got from life, he did find some very good positives. Read and see for yourself. It helped me and I believe it could help you reset your thinking towards better thoughts too.
We do indeed need to love ourselves as seen earlier from the perspective of having been "Created by God," and that "in His image," and realize we are persons of worth to Him. A desired result would be that we love ourselves thus enabling us to 'love our neighbor' as well.
Watch out for the fine line that could be crossed with pride and arrogance. As Romans 12:3 admonishes,
"think of yourselves with sober judgement".
Think enough of ourselves as seen through God's lens of thought and so love ourselves with dignity and know we are valuable persons, then temper it to avoid the sin of pride and thinking ourselves to be superior to others. Don't devalue yourself however, to the point of commiting suicide, thinking, "no one will miss me".
There are certain factors, some of which have already been alluded to, that are involved in the thinking processes of those who consider dying or who contemplate suicide. The factors include depression; seeking an escape from problems; feelings of failure; pride, and guilt and remorse.
Elijah felt depressed because he felt that he'd done so much for God and now he was getting the short end of the stick from God. Self-pity hooked itself into him and he couldn't overcome. His aggrieved request to God was,
"Take my life. I am no better than my ancestors" (1 Kings 19:1-18 especially vs 4).
As we looked at earlier, part of God's answer was to let him sleep and eat. Then He gave Elijah a futher mission.
We think Job had an even worse deal and so equitable and permissable to want to escape his problems. He had no peace or quietness; he groaned and sighed, his lot was now only turmoil and torment in the foreseeable future. He wished he had perished at birth, dying as he came from his mother's womb.
"Cut off my life," he begged God (Job 6:8-11).
Such anguish and bitterness of soul as, besides losing his health and wealth in one fell swoop, he'd lost all his children. The pain of such loss no doubt overloaded him beyond and perhaps even superceded his other losses. Anyone who has ever lost ONE child will know that one's heart will literally ache (Job 3:11-26; 6:8-11; 7:11, 15; 14:13) from such a loss.
The apostle Paul had more than his fair share of tribulation. He too wrote,
"to die is gain"and that his
"desire [was] to depart and be with Christ" (Philippians 1:21-26).
His staying factor was that the believers needed him and that if he did choose to live, he could still
"live for Christ".
When you research from the Scriptures all the trials and troubles Paul had had, we can understand his escape feelings. Nevertheless, in wisdom and by God's grace, Paul endured in this life, for Christ, the sake of the gospel and to help build up the faith of believers. This was God's answer for Paul. His number of days were not yet up.
Feelings of failure also 'get at' people. They did for the Philippian jailor. He'd made the comprehensible assumption that all the prisoners had fled. It would be reasonable thinking for them to do so. However, despite the jail doors having been shook open from the natural earthquake disaster, the jailor knew he'd be considered at fault and be executed for 'allowing' the prisoners to escape. He wasn't going to wait and let others do 'the job' so he unsheathed his own sword to do himself in.
Thank the Lord that Paul was 'on watch' and averted that suicide. All the prisoners were miraculously accounted for. This Philippian jailor then came to Christ by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:25-29, 31). Our God of wonders was moving even in such a place.
There is a quote attributed to 'Forbes Quotes' about pride. It reads,
"...Pride is at the bottom of all great mistakes."
Another one from elsewhere says,
"Pride will cost you EVERYTHING but leave you with NOTHING."
In a nutshell, this is what got the best of King Saul and of Ahithophel. King Saul and his men were fighting against the Philistines. Saul got critically wounded but didn't want these enemies to finish him off. The reason he gave his armor bearer was that they were "uncircumcised fellows" and he despised them. He was not going to have them put an end to him. He then asked his armor-beraer to do the job - ah, does this sound similar to "physician-assisted and/or "die-with-dignity" terms?
Well, Mr. Armor-Bearer was NOT going to do it. King Saul's pride kicked in so much that he ended his own life by his own hands by falling on his own sword (1 Samuel 31:1-6). In the end, King Saul's pride left him with nothing; it took even his life.
Ahithophel reminds me of a spoiled child. He had had everything going for him. He had been a clever advisor and greatly relied upon by King David. He crossed over to Absalom though, when Absalom was making definite inroads into buying the peoples' hearts away from his father King David, switching horses in mid-stream into Absalom's camp.
At a crucial moment, Ahithophel's advice was thwarted by Hushai, a 'mole' from David's side, when Absalom valued Hushai's advice over Absalom's. Pride reared its ugly head and with ego sorely crushed, Ahithophel went home and like an immature child, he threw a tantrum and hanged himself, preferring rather to leave this world than to bear the shame and humiliation he thought would smear his aura and reputation.
BEWARE of such pride. Realize what a stubborn streak of pride can wind you up into doing. As a believer in Jesus Christ, repent of the sin of pride. Seek God's forgiveness. Ask for His help to overcome. Turn away from taking your own life. Jesus gives life.
Guilt and remorse may well have been a big part of Ahithophel's goading actions as well. After all, he had been a trusted and good friend of David's for donkey years. Yet he committted treason and became a betrayer.
Sound familiar?
Jusdas Iscariot had spent three solid years, at least, with Jesus. He walked the roads, listened to His teachings, witnessed the miracles. Judas likely also performed some healings too. Yet his love of money motivated him to betray Jesus.
Consequently, Judas Iscariot's remorse did not extend to true repentance despite having said he'd sinned. His thoughts must have been in tumult. Perhaps he thought Jesus would extricate Himself somehow as He'd done before. Seeing Jesus condemned, he realized his assumptions were terribly faulty, thus feeling his only course of action for his guilt was suicide. Weighted down by guilt and remorse, he hanged himself. (Matthew 27:3-5).
Elijah, Job and Paul, each in moments of depression wished to escape life's circumstances. They wished to die, expressing it orally, or as in Paul's case, in written declaration. Nonetheless, they didn't even make an actual suicide attempt.
The Philippian jailor due to his sense of failure, caught in a stituation beyond his control, thought he would punish himself with suicide. He did attempt it by drawing his sword upon himself. As noted above, Paul arrested the man in his trackes and saved his life and directed him to save his soul as well. It was a happy ending that created a new beginning in his life on earth.
Again, it was noted earlier that King Saul and his wise advisor Ahitohophel, just could not swallow their pride in their perceived hopeless situations of humiliation. They each attempted, and succeeded, in commiting suicide, one by falling upon his own sword and the other by hanging himself, respectively. These are not God sanctioned endings. Judas Iscariot's remorse overtook him and he hanged himself for betraying the Son of God.
In each of these cases, the mens' thought processes led them to consider dying and/or committing suicide. Depression, seeking to escape from problems; feelings of failure; pride, and guilt and/or remorse, were the catalysts towards such end-it-all actions.
Many of us, if put in similar circumstances many well have similar conclusive thoughts. I want all reading this to realize there is light at the end of the tunnel, there is hope. Hope in Jesus. Cry out to Him. I like the sequel to Elijah's wish for death. Even though he didn't cry out for help per se, God knew where he was and that Elijah was exhausted. God understood. He let Elijah sleep and eat for a couple of rounds.
God didn't let Elijah wallow in self-pity. No. God's 'therapy' for Elijah was pro-active, for keeping him alive. He gave Elijah a task and encouragement. He gave the assurance that there were a significant number of others who still feared God and who had kept themselves from idols.
We have this same assurance today. Cry out to Jesus. Wait for Him. Jesus gives life.
My prayer is one of concern and care for anyone out there with thoughts of death wishes upon themselves. Know that God does love you and wants to hear from you - your cry for help. I can't say this to you enough.
Your situation may not change but Jesus can walk through your valleys with you. He can also show you a trusted person to whom you can talk and find good godly counsel and hope for living.
Please find this to be true.
Speaking of people 'with skin on' who can give some practical help and solution to averting suicide, know that this person could be you. Yes, you. It is therefore good to know of some ways one can help at least initially before guiding a person at risk to a mental health professional.
Hey, don't be shamed. If your bones are broken you go to an orthopedic surgeon, so there is nothing wrong with helping yourself by seeing a doctor who can help mend your mind. Seek out and get help.
There are lifelines and crisis helplines a person can call. Find out about them. See what advice they give for a friend of someone 'at risk' to do for the friend..
One npr.org site gave five-step actions that include: ASK, LISTEN, FOCUS, BE THERE (TO HELP KEEP THEM SAFE AND TO CONNECT), & FOLLOW UP. If you suspect a person could be contemplating suicide, ASK outright they advise, if the person is contemplating and making plans to commit suicide. Don't make any promises to keep it secret. Seriously LISTEN to their pain and for any potential reasons to actually still want to live. FOCUS on their reasons, and don't impose your own. BEING THERE entails being physically present; able to connect by phone but don't make promises or offers of things you can't do and do find ways for others to help too. One does not want things to escalate. These few suggested helps can be life-saving.
Keep the person safe by asking how they'd do it. Knowing how much of a plan they have in place already will help you gauge the 'how soon' it could be implemented.
As mentioned before, help them connect to a helpline in your area. Get the number. Talk to these people yourself. Suggest to your friend that they call when the pain surges. Being able to connect and talk could bring greater hope to the depressed and ones who are suicidal.
Then there is FOLLOW UP. Don't abandon the person. Leave messages, call, check-in so the person still feels connection and less lonely. Let them know they have your support and care to hopefully reduce risk of the person carrying through with their plans.
These are just a few points I gleaned from the one website. There are others you can research too. The bottom line is to be a cog on the wheel of prevention and let the person contemplating suicide know there is help and there is 'an ear' listening to their pain.
Remember how God gave Elijah a further mission? Also the apostle Paul came round to his mission, responsibility and care of looking out for the interests of others more than of his own desires and wishes.
Another avenue is to definitely point people to Christ. Paul pointed the Philippian jailor to Jesus (Acts 16:31). Jesus' mission was to "proclaim freedom for prisoners and the oppressed (Luke 4:17-21); to provide justice and hope (Matthew 12:18-21) and how wonderful, to give rest to the weary and heavy laden (Matthew 11:28-34). This Jesus, God with us, is always ready to connect with us and hear our cry. Come to Him and lean on His strength everyday.
God's grace is sufficient and that was evident in Paul's life. Despite his troubling 'thorn in the flesh' Paul accomplished much.
Let each of us reflect on this, that we can fully depend on our Heavenly Father's strength and care. In Him there is freedom and peace of mind. There is hope as we turn and move towards Him, crying out to Him in times of depression; overwhelming problems, when we feel like a failure or even in extremely prideful times when our egos have taken a beating.
Believers in Jesus Christ take comfort in knowing you are not alone. None of us live to oursleves. Be purposeful in connecting with other brothers and sisters-in-Christ. Find someone you can trust and talk with them. Don't carry this burden alone. We also have recourse in Jesus. He say, to
"Come to Him, all who are weary and heavey burdened". He promises to give rest (Matthew 11:28-30 KJV).
Talk to someone. Talk to the Lord. He cares for you. When your heart is too pained with burdens and grief, dread and fear, and temptation know that He cares!
Our God is good, powerful and faithful. Dip into His strength. He is the answer to life.
Let Him be yours.
In Jesus' name I pray it.
~ERC March 2023~
Based on the Study Guide Lessons Moral Issues Facing the Church by Rob Harbison.
Sing, Does Jesus Care, along with the Isaacs.
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