I recently prayed alongside a group of high school students who poured out their hearts in desperation for a friend who attempted suicide. She was in critical condition from her injuries. We believed for a radical miracle and recovery. Sadly, a few days later she was gone.
Her story is one of way too many. Kids, youth and adults alike are believing the lie that they are not good enough, not smart enough, not pretty enough, not fill in the blank enough. These are lies from the pit of hell and in complete opposition to the Word of God. We’ve all experienced pain in life. Even the great King David wasn’t immune to it. In Psalm 6:6-7 he said “I am weary with my groaning; All night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears. My eye wastes away because of grief…” But in his trouble he recognized who could deliver him. He knew his only hope was to cast his cares and burdens on God.
Our country and culture is bound by a spirit of depression and suicide. Not knowing where our value and identity comes from leaves gaping holes in peoples’ self-worth. Only Jesus assigns value and worth. All of the world’s promises fall short of that. Thankfully, we can find courage and hope in the promises of God that are always faithful and true. If you are struggling don’t remain isolated and alone. Reach out to someone who can walk through it with you. If you know of someone who is struggling, don’t stand idly by. Fight for them and be an encouragement and light.
“All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 The Message