WHY PEOPLE GIVE UP ON LIFE-YOU CAN FIND HELP

'Will God Forgive Me for Feeling This Way?'

Associating with Jehovah's Witnesses had helped many to overcome suicidal thoughts.Yet, no one today is immune to life's stressful events or to depression. Christians who have thought of taking  their life often contend with profound feelings of guild over having such thoughts.  The guilt may only add to their burden. So how can such feelings be dealt with?

It is worth noting that some faithful men and women in the Bible times expressed feelings about life. Rebekah, the wife of the patriarch  Isaac, was once so distressed over a family problem that she said;  "I have come to abhor this life of mine."  (Genesis 27:46) Job, who suffered the loss of his children, his health, his wealth, and his social standing, said:  "My soul certainly feels a loathing toward my life." (Job 10:1) Moses once cried out to God:  "Please kill me off altogether."  (Numbers 11:15) Elijah, a prophet of God, once said:  "It is enough!  Now, O Jehovah, take my soul away." (1 Kings 19:4) And the prophet Jonah repeatedly said:  "My dying off is better than my being alive." -Jonah 4:8. 

Did Jehovah condemn these individuals for feeling as they did?  No. He  even preserved their expressions in the Bible. It is vital to note, though, that none of those faithful ones let their feelings drive them to commit suicide. Jehovah valued them; he wanted them to live. The fact is, God is concerned even about the lives of the wicked ones. He urges them to change their ways and 'actually  keep living.' (Ezekiel 33:11) How much more does he want those who are  concerned about winning his favor to keep living!

God has provided the ransom sacrifice of his Son, the Christian congregation, the Bible, and the privilege of prayer. This line of communication with God-prayer-never has a busy signal. God can and will hear all who approach him with a humble, sincere heart.  "Let us, therefore, approach with freeness of speech to the throne of undeserved kindness, that we may obtain mercy and find undeserved kindness for help at the right time." -Hebrews 4:16. 

Next time: WHY PEOPLE GIVE UP ON LIFE-YOU CAN FIND HELP/Your Life Is Important to Others 

From the Awake! magazine