When suicide seems like the only way

Do you feel so desperate for an escape that you are considering suicide? Is the pain too much to bear?

Jesus knows what it’s like to suffer. He was persecuted, rejected, lied about, beaten, and abandoned. He knows what it’s like to want to give up. When Jesus was on the cross, He felt the full weight of our struggles. But the story didn’t end there. Jesus defeated death once and for all when He rose from the grave, and through Him, you are capable of overcoming your struggles as well (Romans 8:31-39).

Why shouldn’t I give up right now?

Your life is not too messy for God. There is no such thing as too messy for God. The cross is proof that God can take a mess and turn it into a miracle.

This is not too hard, because it is not you who has to be strong enough. God is strong enough (Psalm 46:1-3, Psalm 93:1). He is not intimidated by your circumstances.

You are valuable. God created you on purpose, for a purpose, and with a purpose (Jeremiah 29:11). This is not something you have the power to make or break yourself. Even if you don’t feel valuable, even if you feel messed up beyond repair, that is not your reality in Jesus. You are valuable because of who created you.

You are loved so much that Jesus died for you (John 3:16). He would have died even if you were the only person on this earth.

You are victorious in God. Whatever battle you’re facing — the addiction, the bad business deal, the depression, the overwhelming debt — the freedom and joy that come from knowing Jesus can never be taken from you (Romans 5:3-5).

You are not alone. Not only does Jesus understand how you are feeling (Hebrews 4:15), He is in these trenches with you. The Bible tells us Jesus walks before us, beside us, and after us, covering us in protection that exists even when we don’t feel it (Deuteronomy 31:8, Psalm 23:4).

God’s potential is greater than your pain (Romans 8:28). God delivered Jesus through death, and He will deliver you through your circumstances.

Your story isn’t over. The Bible says God will complete the good work He has begun in you. Just because you may not see a light at the end of the tunnel right now does not mean the light isn’t there.

Will life ever get better than this?

We know life gets better because Jesus is greater.

Jesus is greater than your impossible situation. Because of His grace, you are more than a conqueror and can handle anything this life throws at you (Romans 8:37).

Jesus is greater than your pain and hopelessness. When Jesus was hanging on the cross, His friends and family experienced pain and confusion that seemed greater than the potential of their future. But when Jesus rose from the grave He squashed all hopelessness.

If it’s not good, God’s not done (Philippians 1:6). The cross is evidence that even when things seem chaotic, out of control, and painful, God is sovereign, in complete control, and really will use all things for His glory.

What do I do now?

Ask for help. Share your struggles with someone you love and trust. Doctors and trained professionals can help you through this season. In addition to medical care, your church family would love to pray with you and for you.

Focus on Jesus instead of yourself and the circumstances you are facing (Hebrews 12:1-2, Colossians 3:1-2).

Claim the truth. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, you can live life and you can have life. It’s a gift, and it’s yours for the taking.

You are way too important and you matter too much to God for suicide to be the solution. Life doesn’t have to be something you run from. If you let God, He will complete the beautiful story He has already started in you.