I’ve been wanting to write about suicide for a while now, but could never find the words….
… until now.
Over the past few years, suicide has intersected with my world on a profound level.
A few months ago, my uncle committed suicide. Now there are a lot of sad and maddening circumstances surrounding his death which I cannot share, but watching him walk the path he did was unimaginable.
As I’ve shared here before, my 10-year-old son battled feelings of suicide last year when he was being relentlessly pursued by a bully.
Earlier this week, a dear friend’s niece killed not only herself… but her young son, too.
This summer, I met a sweet woman whose husband took his life without warning.
We are coming upon the two-year anniversary of another friend who took his life unexpectedly, leaving behind a beautiful wife and five amazing kids.
What is going on?
I think I might know.
“Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up.” (1 Peter 5:8 MSG)
The Enemy.
You see, He gives us a sense of hopelessness in an effort to destroy us.
He makes us believe that the sadness we are in will indeed last forever. Because we feel so distant from our Father, we buy into the lie that God won’t come through for us this time. We feel alone in our pain, like no one would understand what we are feeling.
In our despair… in our pain… in our loneliness… in our attempt to escape the hopelessness, we look for a way out.
And the Enemy is right there, whispering… suicide… quietly in our ear.
I’ve heard it before.
I remember being so deep in my anguish and sorrow as a young adult that it crossed my mind. There were times I entertained thoughts of suicide.
But God.
“So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.” (1 Peter 5:10-11 MSG)
I held on to that then tiny strand of hope that things would get better. I knew deep down that God was there. I had an ounce of belief that He would eventually deliver me.
He did.
Listen friends… the Enemy is trying to take us out. That is his ONLY goal.
And we cannot stand by and watch this happen to another. This is a fight to the finish…
“God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.” (Ephesians 6:12 MSG)
We need to stand against the Enemy’s plans to make God’s children feel so hopeless that they take their own life to escape pain.
Unfortunately, it’s not always cut and dry.
- There may be times we don’t even know someone’s hope is gone. We may not be aware things are as serious as they are.
- Other times, we may realize that regardless of our best attempts we’re unable to change someone’s mind.
But regardless, we can battle for them in prayer… be it preventative prayer or desperate prayer.
It would look something like this…
Father, we stand against the Spirit of Suicide in our families. By the blood of Jesus Christ and in His authority, I cancel that Spirit’s assignment on __________ (fill in names)… be it now or in the future. I ask that you fill ______ (fill in names) so full of your joy now and always. Remind them of the hope we have in you, God. Keep them close, Lord. Deepen their desire for you. Give me the supernatural eyes to see and ears to hear if and when hopelessness sets in and the wisdom to know what to do. I pray this in your son’s name – Jesus. Amen.
Listen… when we pray, we are a force to be reckoned with because the Enemy must bow and submit to the name of Jesus.
His plans are exposed. His hand revealed. He loses. He must flee.
And hope is restored.
Joy recovered.
The Enemy’s time is limited. He’s turning up the heat.
So. Am. I.
Will you join in the fight?
©2011 careyscotttalks.com
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Beautiful job, this is very powerful and I loved reading it. Definitely sharing this.
<3 Heather
Thanks, Heather. Appreciate your covering, sister.
May God use this message to reach every ear that needs to hear it, receive it and pray it! Lives are depending on it.
Kim, AMEN! We are in battle!
Fighting with you sister! Thank you for this post!
Leah, you inspire me. Thank you for standing strong and standing well. Table #73 forever!
thank you so much my son tried to commit this act 3 years ago and it just about destroyed me… and my older son has no understanding and think it is a cop out..please pray for david
Lisa, my heart aches to hear this. We are protective momma-bears. I know the pain you must be feeling, girl. FIGHT! I know you already are… I bless you in your battle.
Carey – Thanks for this timely urge to intercede. I have been in prayer for a week now for a friend who is battling suicidal thoughts. He lost his daughter 2 years ago in a tragic accident.
Please include him in your battle cry! And thank you for making this an army who is praying and interceding.
Blessings,
Cheryl, I will include him in prayers. You are a warrior girl. Keep fighting for him!!
Thank you for touching on such a difficult subject! 1 Peter 5:10-11 say it all. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Denise, I stand in agreement with you! To HIM be the power!
Thank you for sharing this deep and troubling topic today – hopelessness is a very creepy and dark place to go… the lies of the enemy can seem so big and real and it really does take the army to defeat satan once and for all… This seems like such a call for intercession and linking arms – serving shoulder to shoulder – no gaps – no loners – stronger together! Be blessed – may your testimony be prophecy and power for others – HOPE is arising!
Amanda, you’re so right! It is a creepy and dark place… and the lies CAN seem so real. Our job is to battle them in prayer so he loses and the lie is exposed. Hope IS arising, indeed!
Wow. This is a powerful post, Carey. I am so looking forward to the day when the enemy is at last done for good. Until then, I have prayed that prayer with you.
Peace and blessings,
Wendi (@mymuddyshoes)
Wendi, I will rejoice with you on that day when the Enemy loses once and for all. Until then, I am exposing his lies. I know you are, too.
Thanks so much for this powerful devotional. My husband’s best friend took his own life this summer while we were on vacation . . .
Coach, I am sorry to hear this news. Thanks for your willingness to share…. Gosh, it is everywhere! Love you!
i know the feeling because i did end up my life year 2008…. dont know how to express my feeling right after i read this devotion… and please allow me to join in the battle.
Cynthia… honored to be in battle together!
Very powerful post! Not only did I battle these horrific thoughts during my teen years and again in my late 20’s, but I lost a brother to suicide in March 2004… he was just 25. People on the outside do not understand just how dark the darkness can be sometimes…. it can be like a total solar eclipse… you just can’t see the sun! We did not have have any real warning signs with my brother… it was a complete shock for us all. Looking back, we can piece some things together, but hindsight is always 20/20.
God is truly our only rescue. When I discovered my husband’s affair in summer 2009, my world completely collapsed. I clung onto God and refused to allow the darkness back into my life. He picked me up and has filled me with such hope, joy and peace ever since.
Suicide seems to be everywhere right now… even from the least likely of people. It has touched my family and friends so many times over the last 10 years. God is the only light in that hole of darkness… His TRUTH is the only thing that will set people free from the lies!
Thank you for your post… May it help encourage all of us to pray for our loved ones against this spirit of suicide! I will continue to pray your above prayer over my children, separated husband and family!
Tara 🙂
http://www.createdtobebeautiful.wordpress.com
Tara, thank you for sharing your heart here. You have quite a testimony, sister. And I love your comment, “His TRUTH is the only thing that will set people free from the lies!” I stand in agreement with that statement. Be blessed, girl.
Lost my husband to suicide. Battled it myself for eight months.Thank you for the post. I still choose life!
Kathy, I am sad to hear about your husband… but am thankful to hear that you are doing well. Keep choosing life, sister. We need you!
Oh wow I was in this I almost killed myself oh I so needed this thank you for writing this wow tears as I read this