Bridget A. Thomas
Every day is a gift!
A Serious Subject
This is not the post that was originally scheduled to go out today. But something happened last week in my community, which prompted me to write about this subject. Please note that I am not a licensed counselor or medical professional. If you are dealing with depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, or the like, please please please seek professional help. And I am sorry that this topic is not a pleasant one to think about. But it could potentially reach and help someone who needs it.
Death by self-harm (suicide) has increased over the last couple of decades. This is a testament to the world we live in, and how much the devil’s grip has spread. Suicide affects people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. Most of us can say that we have a friend of a friend who has died by suicide. And anytime we hear about someone dying this way, it breaks our hearts. Why do people commit suicide? Generally speaking, depression and life’s circumstances have overwhelmed the person. They might believe that is their only solution. They might believe they are all alone. They might believe no one cares for them and everyone would be better off without them.
If you or anyone you love has had these thoughts or feelings, I want to reassure you that you are not alone. I don’t know what your life looks like. I don’t know what circumstances you are facing. I don’t know what kind of relationships you have. But there is another answer to your problems. It might sound cliché, but the truth is that Jesus loves you with a very real and deep love. If you turn your heart to Him, He will be there for you. He will help you get through whatever it is you are facing. And there are people in your life who care about you too. They would be heartbroken if you left them.
In Charles Stanley’s Handbook for Christian Living, Dr. Stanley says that suicide is wrong because:
• It violates the Ten Commandments.
• Nowhere does the Bible condone a person ending life to escape circumstances.
• Life is a gift from God.
• Suicide is an expression of self-hatred, and the Bible says we are to “love our neighbors as ourselves.”
• Suicide usurps the power that belongs only to God.
• A person who commits suicide short-circuits God’s will for his or her life.
• It is an expression of lack of faith. Philippians 4:19 states, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” This applies to financial, emotional, and physical needs.
• Suicide is an act of selfishness.
• It hurts the cause of Christ.
Webmd.com gives the following tips if you believe someone you know is in immediate danger of killing themselves:
• Do not leave the person alone. If possible, ask for help from friends or other family members.
• Ask the person to give you any weapons they might have. Take away or remove sharp objects or anything else that the person could use to hurt themselves.
• If the person is already in psychiatric treatment, help them to contact the doctor or therapist for guidance and help.
• Try to keep the person as calm as possible.
• Call 911 or take the person to an emergency room.
• Call your local suicide prevention hotline or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMHSA) National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-TALK (8255).
The numbers above are for the U.S. Here’s a list of suicide crisis lines by country: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines.
If you are the one who is struggling, please:
• Cry out to God. Start talking to Him and tell Him how you feel. Ask Him to help you overcome the emotions you are battling.
• Remember that it is satan who is putting these dark thoughts in your head. They would never come from God.
• Please seek professional help. You can start by calling the hotline for your country. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines.)
• Talk to a friend and tell someone how you are feeling. It would also help to surround yourself with positive Christian people. Joining a church would be a good place to start.
Many of us are familiar with John 3:16 (KJV), “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jesus came to save all of us. That means you too. He loves you so much that He gave His life for you. In John 10:10 (MSG), Jesus said, “I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” What a beautiful promise this is. And this promise is for you too. But you have to accept Jesus as the Lord and Savior of your life. If you have never done that, then I invite you to do so today. Please read the prayer on this page: Accepting Jesus Into Your Life.
As I said above, I am not a licensed counselor or medical professional. But I am someone who Jesus has helped. I have gone through times of darkness in my life. I am sure most people can say the same. No one can walk through life without dealing with trials. Yes, the trials in life do bring us down. I am not minimizing your situation. But I can tell you first hand that Jesus is the answer. He can and will help you find peace in your life, if you cling to Him. When I am feeling down about something, it helps me to: pray, read from the Bible especially the Psalms, and listen to praise music.
The Bible tells us countless times to not be afraid. Why? Because when we have Almighty God in our court, there is nothing He can’t handle. And it says in 1 Peter 5:7 to cast all our worries and anxieties on the Lord because He cares for us. The Passion Translation puts it this way, “Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.” When we are intentional about seeking Him, He will not fail us. Please know that you are deeply loved and there is no circumstance that you cannot overcome, with God by your side.
Drink deeply of the pleasures of this God. Experience for yourself the joyous mercies he gives to all who turn to hide themselves in him. – Psalm 34:8 (TPT)
© 2021 Bridget A. Thomas
Bridget A. Thomas 
Hey,
I just want you to know that I read your post. Mr. Stanley’s comments are insensitive to people’s pain. He may have never experienced suicidal thoughts. But the prophet Elijah did. King David was in deep despair, and Job cursed the day he was born. All three of those me had GREAT faith.
The church has done a terrible job of actually mourning with those who mourn under the lie of “walking by faith.” We must all do better.
Love you in Christ!
Blessings to you!
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*men in place of me above.
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I don’t believe Dr. Stanley intended to be insensitive. But I can see why you feel that way. You are right, there are many in the church who do not respond the right way. I think if we all made it our focus to be more loving and less judgmental to one another, it would help a great deal. And that was my intent here. But it is a difficult subject to tackle and finding the right words can be a challenge. Thanks again for your insight. God bless you!
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That is it! If we LOVE each other how Christ LOVED US. This would not be an issue. If we BEARED ONE ANOTHER’S BURDENS as Apostle Paul ask us to, the world would be filled with LOVE. Have a wonderful Tuesday Ms. Bridget.
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So very true! Wise words! Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful day as well ❤️
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Thanks so much. Peace be unto you!
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I am so sorry for the situation that lead you to share about this. It is always heartbreaking to hear something like this and especially if you knew the person.
I do hope that mental health struggles are not stigmatised, that people struggling with it will not be judged, that it would be more openly talked about and people would find it easier to seek help.
May we love like Jesus and be compassionate.
Blessings my dear friend 💙
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Yes, so true! We don’t always know what others are going through. But as a whole, it helps if we all could take our guards down and become more transparent. I think that would lead to healing. Yes, may we love like Jesus. That is the key! Blessings to you too, my friend!! ❤️
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Thank you for sharing and trying to help those in need of love. Jesus gave us a new, singular commandment, to love one another. We have all failed at this, myself included. But my hope is that love will transcend judgement. We are quick to boycott or say people need to change their life choices, when that is not our place to say. It is our place to love like Jesus commanded. I pray this reaches those that really need to hear it. ❤️
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Very true. We are called to love one another. If we can learn to do that, then perhaps more people will find healing from their turmoil. ❤️
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Yes! 🙌🙏
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An important bit of knowledge for someone trying to help a person who is suicidal: I watched a father share his struggle with his son’s suicide, and he said that they thought he was doing better. When a suicidal person appears to improve it is often because they have a plan and have made the decision to follow through. This is the time to be even more vigilant. Those I know who have dealt with suicidal thoughts have all expressed the feeling that it was the only way to end the pain. They didn’t want to die; they wanted oblivion. They were hopeless.
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Thank you for sharing that. That’s scary and very sad. But you brought up good points to keep in mind. It helps to have more knowledge in case any of us are ever able to help someone who is having suicidal thoughts. Thank you, Judy.
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A topic that can’t be ignored, and unfortunately is growing in popularity…as a youth group leader it saddens me the number of kids who talk about depression or feel they’re experiencing it..heartbreaking…and they almost refer to it as a self-identity or label.
Huge prayers over this topic, your post makes me realize I don’t give this enough prayer! I’m challenged to do so!! Thanks for being bold and necessary!
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Yes it is sad how more teens are feeling the weight of depression. Our culture, with things like social media, play a big part in this. You’re right, we all need to pray about this more. We just never know who we will encounter who might be struggling. Thank you for sharing your insight!
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Yes definitely social media is a huge factor…awful!!!!
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It makes me sad to know that someone has held so much pain in for so long that they just couldn’t bear it anymore. Your post is so helpful! I think it’s important to reach out to others. You just never know what they’re going through.
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Yes it is very sad. And you truly never know what others are going through. I wonder how many cases could have been avoided if someone had reached out. I pray that if we are ever in a place to help someone, that we have the right words. ❤️✝️🙏
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Hmmm, Jesus is the only answer for the world today. We need to reach more people with Him, especially those weighed down by live issues and circumstances.
Thanks for sharing Bridget💖
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So true. Jesus truly is the only answer. And I agree. We do need to reach more people, and spread the love of our Lord and Savior. Thank you for stopping by!
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Definitely. My pleasure always Bridget.
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