Sandra was in her mid-20s when we attended the same church and were part of the singles group. She had a beautiful smile and a bright personality, but one day life came crashing down on her when she received word that her dad had killed himself. The news impacted our group as we grieved for her devastating loss. (Image by Freepix)“It is a lie that one believes suicide is the only answer, when in truth, it only makes a tragic situation permanently tragic.”
White middle-aged men, like Sandra’s dad, are the number one age group for suicides in America. And when it comes to our youth, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Suicide is the leading cause of death among young people in the United States.” And suicides are not just affecting our youth or our empty-nester dads, but all of us. In 2021 and 2022 suicide numbers have risen across nearly every age group, resulting in suicide being the 11th overall cause of death for Americans.
What is causing this epidemic that is snatching away our children, parents and grandparents? As a Christian minister I view this important subject through the lens of the Bible.
One of the ten commandments God gave us is “You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13) Suicide is the act of self-murder, however, God is the author of life, “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female…” (Genesis 1:27) Because every person was fashioned together by Almighty God, and has the highest intrinsic value among all His creation, He would never then lead a person to destroy what He originally created and called “good.”
But why would someone take their life? It might be a soldier dealing with the trauma from military service. A teenager battling online bullying. A dad who lost his job and cannot provide for his family, or the stress of someone gambling away their life savings.
Nothing escapes God’s sight, “You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.” (Psalm 139:2) God sees and knows all. Therefore, He knows of the soldier’s struggle, the teenager’s wrestling and understands the dad’s crisis. And though God is filled with mercy and compassion, under no circumstances would He condone suicide.
So where does this idea come from? God provides insight saying, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9) The thoughts of suicide come from a heart that is broken. It is a lie from out of this brokenness, that one believes suicide is the only answer, when in truth, it only makes a tragic situation permanently tragic.
Is there hope for those battling these demonic lies? The Bible says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13) Yes! Suicide is preventable. It does not have to be the answer. For God Himself is the hope their hearts so desperately need.
God defeated these lies of suicide when He sent His glorious Son to us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him, should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Jesus came to die and rise again to fix the broken hearts of every man and woman, and destroy the lies they are believing, with the truth. He once said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32) This freedom is available to anyone who is willing to turn from these lies and by faith to Christ with all their heart.
If you or someone you know is battling suicidal thoughts, have hope today. Seek out a local pastor, Christian counselor or immediately call 9-8-8 which is a suicide hotline that provides 24/7 free and confidential help.
A prayer for you – Lord God, rescue our nation from the plague of suicide. Overcome these lies with the truth, that in Christ every person can be set free. Bring troubled souls this hour to call upon you for help and deliver them O God I pray. In Jesus name. Amen.
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