The world was shocked this week to hear of the tragic suicides of fashion designer Kate Spade and the host of CNN’s “Parts Unknown”, Anthony Bourdain. Their deaths have once again thrust before the national consciousness the growing problem of suicide in the United States and the world.
The CDC reports from 1999 – 2016 suicide rates in the United States increased 25 percent. More than 45,000 people commited suicide in 2016 and the trend keeps climbing. Suicide is 10th leading cause of death overall, the second leading cause of death in people 15-34 years of age, and the fourth leading cause of death for those 35-54 years old. In 2016 there were more than twice the number of suicides than homicides.
People commit suicide for many reasons. We think most of often of mental health problems; such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia; as causes for people taking their own lives; but, as the CDC’s Dr. Anne Schuchat says, “Suicide is more than a mental health issue.”
The truth is, more than half of suicide victims had no history of mental health problems. Other factors, including alcohol and opioid abuse; financial stresses; relationship problems; emotional, sexual or physical abuse; and physical health problems, can be contributing factors.
When it comes down to it, the root cause of most suicides is lack of hope. A person looks at his or her life and asks the question, “What is the point?” LIke Job they cry out in despair, “I don’t have the strength to endure. I have nothing to live for.” (Job 6:11 NLT). With nothing to look forward to they feel they would be better off dead than having to face one more day.
The tragedy is, it doesn’t have to be this way. Jesus came into this world that we “…may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV). God wants us to have lives filled with hope. That is why He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world.
Jesus came to bring life to the dying, forgiveness to all who have sinned, and hope for the hopeless. He came “that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16 and 17 NIV.
Your life may seem hopeless right now, but I want you to know, no matter how bad things seem, no matter what grief weighs you down, no matter how hopeless your situation may feel, there is reason to hope, reason to hold on.” Ecclesiastes 9:4 promises, “Anyone who is among the living has hope.”
This morning, if you feel like all hope is lost, please don’t give up! Suicide is not the answer! Reach out for help. Call a friend or a pastor. If you’re actively thinking about suicide go to the emergency room where you can get the help you need. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (1-888-628-9454 for Spanish) or text START to 741741.
Whatever you do, don’t give up. “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” (Proverbs 23:18 NIV).
Most importantly, remember you are never really alone. God is near. As the Psalmist declares, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 NIV).
God promises “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). He declares He will “never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.” (Psalm 9:18 NIV)
This morning put your hope in the Lord, for “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” Isaiah 40:31. It may not seem like it right now, but God has not forgotten you. He promises, “I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11).
“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:8. Let Him wrap His arms of love around and He will bring healing to your soul. Remember “weeping may last through the night, but joy come with the morning.” Psalm 30:4 NLT
This morning, do not despair. Do not give up! “Put your hope in God…” and live!
God bless and Happy Sabbath!
Note: If this has been helpful to you or if you know who could use an encouraging word today, please share and spread the hope.