by Pastor Michael Salemink
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:18-19).
A million other great and little reasons exist that we’ve not enumerated.
The suicide rate in the United States has gone up almost fifty percent in twenty years. No one escapes the sufferings and sorrows—anxiety, embarrassment, guilt, grief, loneliness, self-loathing—that can drive to despair. Sinful nature, fallen world, and devil himself never weary of afflicting. Winter months, with their lack of daylight and outdoor activities, can prove particularly problematic. Somebody near you, if not you too, may be enduring the temptation to end this life right now.
But the Heavenly Father is at hand. And a Gracious Savior is at work. God sees, and Jesus knows. His crucifixion testifies how He is counteracting sin and pain with forgiveness. His resurrection demonstrates Who is overcoming death and hell in victory. Comfort and peace, encouragement and rest remain. Relief and healing, hope and joy prevail.
So consider these ten—of many—reasons not to take your own life:
- It goes against God’s Word and will. The Lord forbids taking life, and that includes yours. He has not designed you for destruction. Your body belongs to Him as a temple for the Holy Spirit. Almighty Maker wants you here.
- Suicide is ultimate and irreversible. Your current state of heart and mind could be mistaken or momentary. Responding to something temporary with something permanent doesn’t make sense. Your future self will regret not finding out who you are becoming.
- It might not work. Every method has failed before, and you may survive it. You could end up increasing your misery by adding injury to it. And somebody—either you or one close to you—will have to tend to the aftermath of the act.
- It will not solve the real problems. The pain hurting you has to get identified and confronted so that it cannot harm others. Suicide only transfers it and amplifies it by leaving the important questions unanswered.
- It hurts others. Killing yourself could provoke somebody else—neighbors or even strangers—to do the same. Your absence will deprive loved ones of the opportunity to assist and serve (and of yours to do so for them).
- Things are going to get better. The Lord God Almighty has an end in sight for what you’re undergoing. He has confirmed it by carrying you this far through every previous difficulty. Your outlook will improve sooner than you even realize.
- Opportunities await. Creation has abundant blessings you have not yet encountered or experienced. Another adventure lies just ahead which you simply cannot imagine. And it’s going to bring discoveries and enjoyments you do not want to miss.
- The Body of Christ abides right beside you. Jesus still cries the same tears and pleas to the Father Everlasting as you do. The brothers and sisters are also facing agonies like yours. They look forward to lifting your crosses the way that you delight in sharing theirs.
- This distress has a purpose. Someday someone will need the wisdom you’re receiving in this very predicament. You are discharging a vocation and mission that is already benefitting a weaker one of whom you are not now aware. God makes celebrations of crucifixions and is wringing you wonders.
- You have gifts to bestow. Your Savior is offering you as somebody’s answer to prayer and reason to live. That person is urgently anticipating the difference you’re making, and you may not have even met. Your life comes as a gift and privilege to so many whom you never see.
A million other great and little reasons exist that we’ve not enumerated. You have permission to beg God reveal them. Reach out and call out also to the ones He’s positioned right in front of you. You wouldn’t hesitate to do it for them.
If you or someone you care about feels suicidal, please call our Word of Hope hotline (word-of-hope.org) at 888.217.8679 or the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.