The Bottom Line, Ministries Christian News, Articles, & Poetry 
There are many people who sit week after week on church pew’s, and suffer in silence. They are broken and crushed by life and have become debilitated in functioning normally. As the recent suicide of comedian Robin Williams brought renewed attention to mental health, depression, and suicide, as well as Rick Warren’s son, Matthew. Every 15 minutes in the United States someone takes their own life. Suicide occurs among Christians at essentially the same rate as non-Christians. Suicide is prevalent among youth, the elderly, and returning veterans. More active duty soldiers die from suicide than from combat.
Most Christians are too scared to say they are having suicidal thoughts out loud, for fear of what others may say to them or think of them. This is a difficult subject to discuss, but I believe it is one that must be discussed because many Christians are feeling alone and fearful. What is brought into the light of God’s truth, the enemy cannot hold in the dark in secret and with torment.
Suicide is not a new idea, some in the Bible have taken that path, including Judas (Mathew 27:3-5), Samson (Judges 16:25-30), and Saul (1 Samuel 31:5). Suicide is a plan of the enemy, no matter if you suffer from mental illness or demonic oppression. The thief comes only to steal life and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10).
There are some warning signs of suicide to look for: prolonged depression and hopelessness, isolation and withdrawal, loss of interest in usual activities, suicidal thoughts/plan, prolonged illness, and continued family/marital issues. Christians can and do experience all of these. Sometimes, Christians can experience multiple hardships and losses that leave them feeling all alone and severely depressed.
Suicide is not God’s plan for your life. It is a lie from the enemy. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11) There is hope and deliverance through Jesus Christ. You may have to talk to a trusted friend, counselor, doctor, or minster. You may even have to adjust your lifestyle and cut back on stress. It is also possible that you need to be evaluated for temporary medication to treat depression. Call on God today, ask Him to help you and show you what He wants you to do. Play some worship and praise music. Take the authority you have in Jesus Christ, and command the spirit of death and suicide to flee from you. Let someone pray with you. Here at the Bottom Line Ministry, we care about you, and would be honored to pray with you.
Don’t give up! Though it may seem dark and bleak now, there is hope. Hold on.
Related Link on Depression:
Depression Happens Even to Christians
Resources:
Suicide Hotlines:
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
1-800-SUICIDE (800-784-2433)
Counseling Resources:
Biblical counselor June Hunt: www.hopefortheheart.org/
American Association of Christian Counselors: www.aacc.net/
Dove Christian Counseling Center: www.dovechristiancounseling.com/
Focus on the Family Counseling Directory: www.focusonthefamily.com/lifechallenges/articles/consider_counseling.aspx
