Spiritual Help for the Distressed

You may be surprised to learn how encouraging Bible reading can be. Although it is not a mental-health manual, the Bible can help us to value life. Said King Solomon:  "I have come to know that  there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good during one's life; and also that every man should eat and indeed drink and see good for all his hard work. It is the gift of God." (Ecclesiastes 3:12, 13) Besides satisfying work that gives meaning to life, simple things-such as fresh air, sunlight, flowers, trees, and birds-are God-given gifts that we can enjoy. 

Even more uplifting is the Bible's assurance that Jehovah God and his Son, Jesus Christ, care about us. (John 3:16; 1 Peter 5:6, 7)   Appropriately, the psalmist said:  "Blessed be Jehovah, who daily carries the load for us, the true God of our salvation." (Psalm 68:19)   Although we may feel insignificant and unworthy, God invites us to pray to him. Rest assured that no one who humbly and sincerely asks for his help will be despised.

No one can rightly expect a problem-free life today. (Job 14:1) Yet, the truth from God's Word has shown many people that suicide is not the right way to solve their problems. (note: Its not because you can't get into the Kingdom of God that way)  Just consider how the apostle Paul helped a desperate jailer who, "being awakened out of sleep and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword and was about to do away with himself, imagining that the prisoners had escaped." In an instant, that jailer had concluded that suicide was better than a humiliating and perhaps protracted death for his failure.  The apostle called out:  "Do not hurt yourself, for we are all here!"  Paul did not stop with that statement. In fact, he and Silas comforted the jailer and responded to his question: "Sirs, what must I do to get saved?" They answered: "Believe in the Lord Jesus  and you will get saved, you and your household," Then they spoke Jehovah's Word to him and his household. with the result  that "he and his were baptized without delay."  That jailer and all his household rejoice greatly and found new meaning in life. -Acts 16:27-34.

Today what a relief to know that God is not responsible for wickedness!  His Word identifies a wicked spirit,"the one called Devil and Satan," as the one who is "misleading the entire inhabited earth." But his time is running out. (Revelation 12:9, 12) Soon, all the distress that Satan and his demons have brought upon earth's inhabitants will end by divine intervention.  Then God's promised new world of righteousness will bring about a permanent end to the causes behind hopelessness and suicide. -2 Peter 3:13. 

Next time: Consolation for Those Crying for Help

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000