Disclaimer: If you or someone you love is in imminent danger, call 911 immediately. The following is general advice and is not a substitute for professional help or medical advice.
In the first blog post of this two-part series, we are going to go over what to do if you are suicidal. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, please know that since you are still breathing God is not done with you. He has prepared good works in advance for you to do. He is going to use all your strengths, weaknesses, successes, and failures to accomplish those works. You are the only one who can do those works because no one has your story. An example of that is with Jonah. Jonah preached a five word sermon with a terrible attitude and God worked through him to convert 120,000 people. He hated the Ninevites and wanted to commit suicide when he saw that God converted them. There is no way you can believe that Jonah accomplished that in his own strength. In the same way, God is going to work through you to accomplish exactly the results he wants. As difficult as this moment may seem, there is hope and help available. Here are some steps to take:
Seek Immediate Help if You Are in Danger
If you’re in immediate danger of harming yourself, go to an emergency room, or call emergency services at 911 or a suicide prevention hotline at 988 right away. You may have been struggling for so long, tried a variety of things, and nothing seems to lift you out of despair, but God is using this dark time now ,and he will use this dark time in the future.
Seek Professional Help
If you are not in immediate danger but still struggling with suicidal thoughts, don’t suffer in silence. Reach out to a Christian counselor or your primary care physician who can provide the care you need today. Mental health treatment is not a lack of faith; it’s a valuable tool God can use in your healing process.
Reach Out to Someone You Trust
Confide in a trusted friend, family member, pastor, or counselor. Sharing your burden can provide immediate relief and open doors to support you may not have realized were available. If it feels difficult to reach out in person, consider sending a text. Feel free to copy one of the ideas below:
“When you get a chance can you contact me? I feel really alone and suicidal, and could use some support.”
“I don’t want to die, but I don’t know how to live. Talking with you may help me feel safe. Are you free to talk?”
“This is really hard for me to say but I’m having painful thoughts and it might help to talk. Are you free?”
Remember God is Not Done with You
Reread the paragraph under the disclaimer. I’ve seen so many clients who have attempted suicide or were considering suicide, who thought they were hopeless, or did not think anyone truly cared about them turn things around. They did not do it. God worked through them. God used their stories and uniqueness and showed them a sense of significance, acceptance, love, value, enjoyment, and security that they had not experienced. Through a process, it led to the fruit of the Spirit including joy (Galatians 5:22-23)
Remember God’s Love for You
Cling to the truth of God’s unfailing love for you. Psalm 139:14 reminds us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” You may find that so hard to believe right now. However, it doesn’t change the truth of it. He is going to use you in ways that will bring you and others joy.
Suicide is a permanent, devastating solution to a temporary problem. God has promised to never leave or forsake you, and these feelings aren’t forever. Some of God’s promises include verses such as Deuteronomy 31:8: “It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” and Psalm 139:9-10 says: “If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” It may be helpful to memorize and focus on God’s promises to help remind you of God’s faithfulness in dark times.
Go to our second blog post in the series here.
Chew on This:
What is one thing that would help you believe God is going to use even this dark time for some end that will have impact?
