This past week it was reported that two celebrities were found dead, both committing suicide by hanging. Additionally, this past week our nephew’s wife of five years was also found dead due to committing suicide. It may be asked, “Weren’t there any signs; why didn’t they reach out to someone; didn’t they realize that help was available?” And the loved ones who are left behind in shock and disbelief are often distraught due to guilt – believing that it was somehow their fault; especially for “missing signs and warnings”. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) nearly 45,000 Americans age 10 or older died by suicide in 2016, making it the 10th leading cause of death. The study further noted that suicide is rarely caused by a single factor; whereas, more than half had no known issues with mental health.
The leading factors of suicide have included depression, anxiety, bullying, economic woes, relationship issues, substance misuse, physical health problems and others. Many states have reported an increase of 30 percent in suicide deaths over the last few years. Every single age group has been impacted by suicide deaths. But still the questions remains, “Why did this person commit suicide especially since they had so much to live for, so many opportunities of life in front of them? Didn’t this person realize that they were loved?” Although suicide notes are left behind, they will never fully explain why an individual believed that suicide was their only option – even when someone is in severe pain due to health issues.
It must be asked of each individual that has contemplated suicide, “Have you sought the face of God to help you in your hour of need?” The Scriptures teach the following. Jesus stated in Matthew 11:28-29,
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
1 Peter 5:7 states,
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
Psalms 55:22 states,
“Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”
Matthew 6:25 states,
“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?”
Psalms 3:1-8 reminds us of the refuge that we have in God, even though we may believe that the world stands against us, for it states,
“LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.”
If you are suffering from depression and mental anguish, where you have gone to a very dark place in your heart and in your mind, please reach out to Jesus. If you are an unbeliever, in repentance and faith trust in Jesus. He will save you; He can and will make you whole if you will trust Him and let Him.
Romans 10:9-10, 13 states,
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
If you are a believer, 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us,
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Remember this, “If God could close the lions’ mouth for Daniel; part the Red Sea for Moses; make the sun stand still for Joshua; open the prison doors for Peter; put a baby in the arms of Sarah; and raise Lazarus from the dead; then, He can certainly lift your burdens!” Bring your burdens to Jesus.
