It seems that many young people today are turning their thoughts to suicide as an option for a solution to their problems. Maybe at some time in our own lives, we have all thought the world would be a better place without us in it.

What drives us to think that way? Maybe we just can’t cope with the thoughtless words of peers. We may not be able bear the burden of debt. We might be facing a difficult disease and the thought of putting family through such hardship is  too much for us to handle.

Whatever the reason, it is definitely not part of God’s plan for us. Each of us is special to Him. He created us. He knew us before we were even conceived. He loves us with a love that exceeds our understanding.  In Psalm 139 we learn that God knit us together while in our mother’s womb.  His involvement in our creation is important for us to know, because it seals the fact that we are worth something to Him.  Our value to Him is so immeasurable that He took our sins to the cross so we could spend eternity with Him.

If you are experiences thoughts of suicide or you know of someone who is, talk to someone about it.  There are resources available which I’ve listed below.  Another great source of comfort is the Bible with its many words of encouragement for our lives.  There is nothing so insurmountable that can’t be solved by God.

September is Suicide Awareness Month.  When things begin to spiral out of control, let’s look to His word for answers instead of to ourselves and don’t be fooled by what the devil is trying to convince us of. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God has the future mapped out for us and because of that, we should revere Him by living it.

Informational Resources
Know the Warning Signs and Risk Factors of Suicide
Being Prepared for a Crisis
Need more information, referrals or support? Contact the NAMI HelpLine.
Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255)
If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.