The Sadness
The hustle and bustle of Christmas has slowed down. Things are a bit more quiet. For some, depression sets in. For others, the depression that was already present seems to deepen. Sadness can often take us to dark places that we're not sure if we can (or even want to) escape from. We focus on what we've spent, what we've lost, the mountain of debt that seems to be ever increasing. We struggle to find ways to carry on with life's needs and expenses after the big shopping sprees. Sometimes, it can all be too much!
The Natural Escape
Have
you ever been feeling sad or down and suddenly, out of the blue, you get a call, a
text, an email from a friend you haven't spoken to in ages? Ever been
scrolling through facebook and come across a post that speaks to your
current situation and ministers to your very heart? Those are no coincidences. Those situations are examples of people being obedient to the voice of God. John Donne penned the poem "No Man is an Island." We are important to each other, and someone else's survival may depend on us! One of the enemies
strategies is to encourage us to isolate ourselves. He tricks us into thinking that we don't matter and that no one wants us around. He knows that when
we are weak and alone, we're less likely to fight and resist him.
Deuteronomy 32:30 clearly illustrates the power in numbers. One can
chase a thousand, and two can put ten thousand to flight. There's safety
in staying connected. Escape the despair of your house, your bedroom,
your monotony. Force yourself to socialize and interact with strong
people of faith who can intercede on your behalf.
The Spiritual Escape
The Bible assures us that we can cast our cares upon the Savior, for He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Often times, we feel that we shouldn't or don't deserve to bother God to help us get out of things that we've brought upon ourselves. But our loving and gracious Heavenly Father promises a way of escape from every temptation, so we won't have to go through the same battle again. We must yield and submit to Him. Turn it over to Jesus. Lay your all on the altar of sacrifice. Give it to Him.
The Signs
We've lost far too many loved ones, family members, friends and acquaintances who just wanted an escape. We can no longer bury our heads in the sand and sit idly by. We can't say "It's not my business." It IS our business. We have a duty to our fellow man to get involved.
Many suicidal people give warning signs of their intentions. Suicide is best prevented by our ability to recognize these signs and responding quickly when we spot them. Our role in suicide prevention is to point out alternatives, show that we care and getting a doctor / professional involved.
Here are signs to look for:
- Withdrawing from others
- No hope for the future
- Preoccupation with death / constant talk about death & suicide
- Self-hatred / self-loathing / self-destructive behavior
- Saying goodbye / getting affairs in order
- Sudden sense of calm
The Prayer
Depression and suicide are very touchy subjects. Many times, we choose not to even broach the topic because of fear or lack of understanding. We must seek God for the right words to say and the right way to say them. Our posture cannot be one of judgement or shame. We must show the love of Christ and share the hope and assurance that we have in Him.
My
prayer for you, for me, for us all, is that we become strategic in
seeing the enemy and his tactics. We really are warring for our lives and the lives of others. Ephesians 6:12-13 reminds us "For
we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore
take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand
in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." We cannot fight this fight in and of ourselves. We need the whole armor of God, His divine intervention and a keen gift of discernment to hear and obey His voice. Stay tuned in! Know when someone is in need of help, and have holy boldness to be God's hands, feet, eyes, ears and voice in the earth. Someone's life depends on it!
Peace & Blessings,
Sharon C.
12/27/13
No Man Is An Island
No man is an island,
Entire of itself,
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thy friend's
Or of thine own were:
Any man's death diminishes me,
Because I am involved in mankind,
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
It tolls for thee.
Entire of itself,
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thy friend's
Or of thine own were:
Any man's death diminishes me,
Because I am involved in mankind,
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
It tolls for thee.
John Donne
No comments:
Post a Comment