Originally published Monday, 25 June 2018.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
Where are you today? Because I don’t know 100% what made you choose to click onto this post, but no matter what, I'm glad you did. Maybe it’s because you want to know more about the topic. Maybe it’s because you’ve noticed the rise in suicide lately. Maybe it’s because you’ve lost someone that you know who was very dear and close to you. Maybe you’re looking for answers of how to help someone who is suicidal. Or maybe because you’ve either considered it or you’re considering it right now. Wherever you are, I want you to keep reading.
Right now, I don't know if you've noticed or heard, but suicide is on the rise. After researching stats myself, for Americans in 2015, there were more than 44,000 with one suicide happening every 12 minutes. Those numbers have risen since then. But it’s also rising for Christians. So there is a concern for both non-believers and believers. That’s why I believe the Lord has laid this upon my heart to write about it during this time.
So again, were are you today? Let's talk about it. Are you depressed? Hurt? Broken? Confused? Misunderstood? Sick? Feeling hopeless? Are you suicidal right now or have you been there before?
Personally, I’ve been there. When I was a young adult, while in my early 20’s…I considered it. Was I a believer? Yes. Did I love God? Yes. But my thoughts and sense of not going on was weighing on me heavily.
So, I understand the feeling. I understand the thoughts. I understand the despair. I understand the sense of hopelessness. But I also realize that I'm here to tell this story because I made a choice to put the pills down.
No doubt, I was in a pretty dark and lonely place at the time…even as a Christian. But the drive to live beyond my tough circumstances, combined with my faith proved stronger. I overcame the hurt feelings, the negative thoughts, the despair and hopelessness by the grace of God. So if you’re there now…you can too.
God loves you. Actually, He loves all of us. The Bible tells us in Romans 8:38, “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” This is about God’s love for us. (Listen to this song after you finish reading this post…"Reckless Love")
I want to say here that if you’re considering suicide, I really want to encourage you to press on and endure unto the end as the Bible instructs. If things are tough at this very moment, know that nothing that is happening to you is beyond God’s supernatural help. He’s right here. As believers, He promises that He will never leave you, nor forsake you. And if you're a non-believer, He's totally pursuing you right now. Either way, He is here.
So if you’re hurt, broken, depressed, anxious, sick, or uncertain, hold onto God’s word that says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous face many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.” Let Him rescue you (also, if you know someone who needs to be rescued, hold onto this verse, believe it, and pray for them as well).
It’s not over. God has a beautiful plan for your life (and their life) here and in heaven. So instead of thinking or pondering on letting everything and everyone go, renew your focus on the things to come and live out this verse from Philippians 4:8 which says, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Fix your eyes on Jesus.
And I encourage you to do what 1 Peter 4:7-9 states, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering.”
You are not alone in the fight. But do fight. Fight against our great enemy Satan with everything within you. Remember, he’s like a roaring lion and he’s a thief. Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus brings life. And He’s also fighting for you.
In addition to these verses, please reach out and call someone. Talk to someone that you can trust. Ask them to pray for you and with you. Just don’t give up. Even if you’re reading this right now, I want to tell you that this is God reaching out to you. I’m just a vessel. But He knew that you would be reading this right now. And it’s simply because He loves and cares for you so much and all that concerns you. So, press through this.
There is also a hotline that you can call to speak to someone right now. It’s the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 and they’re open 24/7. So please pray and pick up the phone. Also, if you know someone who has committed suicide, I want you to know that my deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you and the families and friends. Truly.
Lastly, I want to tell you this…
You matter.
You are loved.
You’re worth it.
You are here to make a difference for others.
You were created on purpose and for a purpose.
If God is for you, who can be against you.
You are His. And He is yours.
Jesus loves you and He died for you, so that you could have life.
We need you to survive.
And as I always say at the end of each one of my posts…
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
QUESTION: Do you need prayer? If you so, you can email me directly @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you and praying for you.
ALSO, my NEW 8-Week Study Guide and Video Teaching Series from my book, "IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ & Moving Forward in Your Purpose” is FINALLY available!!! Purchase here.
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