OVERCOME SUICIDAL TENDENCIES

 

OVERCOME SUICIDAL TENDENCIES

October 10, 2023

By Rev.Michael Benson Ajayi

Acts 1:17-18 KJV“For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.”

      This is the account of Judas Iscariot: one of the leaders of the early church. He was close to Jesus and assumed to be trustworthy given that he was in charge of the treasury (John13:29).Judas had built his security around money and social status therefore, whenever his finances were threatened his love for God , missionary work and will to live diminished. There are many of such persons in the church who have put the pursuit of money above love and fellowship with God's people. King David prayed against this " Give me an eagerness for your laws  rather than a love for money! Psalms 119:36 we need this prayer daily for our families.

      These persons like Judas are often cynical and hypercritical of divinely constituted authority (Matthew 26:6-8) This is the breeding ground for suicidal tendencies and when he eventually came to his senses the damage had already been done. He was left with no true friends and was filled with despondency. True friends never encourage us to live outside God’s will especially fellowship with God's people.  With no sense of security and overwhelming sense of hopelessness, Judas proceeded to take his life. 

       Ignorance of God's will for our lives contained in his word leads to deep despair .This is the first step towards committing suicide.  The word of God gives hope to the hopeless. Judas was preoccupied with money other than the ministry of the word. Acts 1:17-18 says Judas obtained part  of the ministry of Christ, he was partly committed thus the word of God did not have deep roots in him. The first thing Satan does before destroying a Christian is to convince him or her to keep away from reading of God’s word. He uses our unhealthy cravings for money, sex and lust for social influence resulting in a heightened sense of anxiety and renders the word of God in our hearts unfruitful. The scriptures in Revelations.3:17 describes such persons as being wretched, pitiable, poor in spirit, naked and spiritually blind. This leads to the second stage of being suicidal: isolation- a deep sense of loneliness and feeling being left- out. They become very moody and detached from others. It is at such times that Satan starts selling the idea of taking one’s life. I have been there before, therefore, whenever we notice this trend in a friend or family member, we should be quick to share God’s word of hope with them with prayers. Regular visits, phone calls, messages really helps at such times. Tell them how much they're loved and they should be taught on how to trust God for provisions (Philippians .4:19)and nobody can truly say what  God's judgment is for committing suicide: asking for forgiveness before committing a sin is far more risky than after. Suicide does not give one the opportunity for amendment after death considering that after death comes the judgment (1Cor.3:16,17,19,Heb.9:27)suicide is a lack of faith in God's saving grace. 

        We are enjoined to let the word dwell richly in our hearts, think less about ourselves ,regularly sing scripturally based songs ,psalms and hymns, this helps in lifting the human spirit. Phil 4:4-7 TLB says “Always be full of joy in the Lord; I say it again, rejoice! Let everyone see that you are unselfish and considerate . .. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God's peace., which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand…”

     Engage in outdoor physical exercises , appreciate nature ( the sun, stars , birds ,flowers , pets etc ) and take little steps towards self improvement visit godly friends .  Seek medical attention if necessary and help from a spiritually mature Christian. Join a group of progressive minds . Finally , stay

away from carriers of bad news and from pessimistic friends or family members especially on social media at all cost. This keeps your faith alive. Phillipians  4:8-9 TLB says "Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about. .. and the God of peace will be with you. “ happy words and thoughts leads to a happy  and prosperous life.

Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Ghost and power  to overcome depression and hopelessness in Jesus name     Free  prayer/counseling. +2348035536911,+2348098536911 email:michaelbensonajayi @gmail.com