Tag Archives: power of scripture

To the Suicidal one: You don’t want to die

You don’t want to die.

Death is no solution.  

Having suicidal thoughts is a side effect of a severe depression, which means that when you are suicidal your mental health is remarkably bad. 

Depression puts your mind in a negative cognition. So everything is perceived through a more pessimistic lens. Therefore are the chances high that when your mental health recovers your suicidal thoughts will fade as well. 

The first sprinkle of hope… 

You don’t want to die, you want to end the emotional pain you have. Life can be hard and painful, but also so so beautiful. I don’t have an immediate solution for the agony that comes with being alive now. But I do want to change your perspective on the fact that everything is temporary. Your situation may seem hopeless, but a change of perspective, maybe with the help of someone else, will lead to better days. Or even happiness.

The second sprinkle of hope… 

I once read a quote about that when someone commits suicide they transfer the pain they’ve been carrying themselves to their loved ones. Personally, I couldn’t agree more. I don’t want to talk you into guilt. I just want to state the truth. You think a successful suicide attempt will be the solution for your situation but it simply is not. 

Don’t take me wrong I know what living in severe emotional pain for longer periods of time feels like. And I’m giving this advice out of the experience. The only way out of your struggles is being brave and looking your pain right in the eye. And heal from thereon.

It is tremendously hard, but definitely possible. When I realized the only way out was to face (in my case) my traumas. I found solace in the fact that I didn’t have to do it by myself.

For I am the Lord your God

who takes hold of your right hand

and says to you, Do not fear;

I will help you. – Isaiah 41:13-14 

I found rest, strength, and ultimate deliverance in Christ. His word strengthened me in ways that I can’t describe. As I was sorting out my pain I found peace in knowing that the one who holds the universe holds me by my hand.

This was my solution. 

In His presence

The power of God’s presence isn’t unfamiliar to Christians. My favorite song about His presence is called ‘Where I belong’. Where a phrase literally says, ‘I’ve finally found where I belong. In Your presence.’ 

I usually get in the presence of God through worship or prayer. And when this happens, it comes along with a feeling of safety and a sense of belonging. I’m brutally honest when I say that expressing my emotions while being in the presence of God has gotten me through my darkest days. 

There are new perspectives in His presence. 

Being in His presence fixes your focus from current pain to future freedom. 

Being in His presence fixes your focus from darkness to light. 

Being in His presence fixes your focus on Himself. 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33

Jesus already knew we would suffer. Sadly, no one on earth will be spared from suffering. 

But we can take heart, not because ‘what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger’, or because ‘everyone is going through hard times’. 

No, we can take heart because of Jesus Christ. 

He overcame. 

I am here to testify that there is safety in His presence. 

O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. ~ psalm 139:1-4  

People may be scared of your thoughts and emotions. You may even be scared to admit your deepest struggles. However, they are already known by God way before you speak them into life. 

So I dare you to share the innermost pieces of your heart with the one who not only overcame the world and all the pain it brings. But also, to the one who went personally before you.  

He personally went before you in the hardships you are facing today. They are not a surprise for him. 

And you know what he has to say? 

I will be with you.

I will never leave you.

I will never forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:8)