I don't think anything makes me sadder than hearing about a person who has commited suicide. Yes, it's a selfish act because it leaves such a wake of pain and guilt for the family left behind. However, to know someone is suffering that much internally just makes me so sad. It's not something that is decided overnight either so they have lived with their pain for some time and feel there is no hope. The very worst part? They can't see the light that is just around the corner. There is hope and life is constantly changing with new things on the horizon. Happiness is around the corner and life is wonderful!! Far more wonderful when you have a close relationship with the lord. God bless you all.

I can tell you first-hand that this devotion is correct, suicidal thoughts are lies straight from Hell.

I have read hundreds of these daily devotionals. Some hit very close to home, and relate to my life so closely. This one does not, thankfully.

But it does for someone, I am sure.

Please pray for anyone and everyone going thru a tough time, right now, that is actually thinking about this subject.

I have delt with this pain first hand and have witnessed a family member deal with the pain of a teenager who committed suicide. I have also witnessed that family member step out with the love of Christ to minister to other families who have suffered the same tragedy. Thank you Bryant for the encouraging reminder that Christ forgives all sin.
In Memory of MSW....

I had an experience with this. Some years ago a guy worked for me who committed suicide. I remember him being the kind of guy I wanted to be more like. He was outgoing and funny, and every girl he met seemed to like him immediately. I was single, and wished I was that smooth. I remember he was pursuing one particular girl, a beautiful Christian girl, and trying to convince her to get married. She was hesitant for some reason, but she finally said yes, and he seemed very happy for a while.

I was fairly new in my faith. We travelled a few times on business and talked about God at times, but I remember things changing after he got married. He had voiced some doubts about his faith. I remember one time we were driving and had made a comment or two about that and the song "Losing my Religion" by R.E.M, which was very popular then, came on the radio. I remember him making a comment under his breath that was something like "That's perfect". I asked him what he said, but he wouldn't talk about it further.

There was another trip he went out on alone, and when he was there, his credit card was taken away because his wife had closed the account. When he got back she left and took all her stuff. They had not been married long, and the next thing I knew he was divorced. He told me he was having other problems because some people he knew from his past were giving him trouble. I didn't know what that was about, but he said something I remember to this day, and I think back and wonder how I missed the clue he was giving me. He said "With everything that's going on, I think I may have to go somewhere no one can follow me, if you know what I mean". I said "Yeah, right". He had talked in the past about some rough people he hung out with where he used to live. Being as he was, he talked a good game, and I thought he meant he was going into hiding or something, and was not serious. I didn't think of Jesus words to his disciples.

Not long after that he didn't show up for work for a few days. I called and left a message each day, and feel terrible that the last message I left I was pretty annoyed that he had not called in and told him he was going to lose his job. I got the news later that day he had taken his life. I heard later that he struggled with homosexuality, and that was the cause for the marriage breaking up, and no doubt the demons he struggled with.

Anyway, I feel a little guilty at times that I did not pick up on that clue and address it more seriously. I can't imagine what it would be like for someone in the family of a person who takes their own life, especially as they look back at various clues and hints the person may have dropped. All I can say is that you cannot blame yourself, because you don't really get it at the time. Hindsight, as they say, is 20:20. But, to this day I never take anything someone says as "just a silly comment". I believe that people who are contemplating suicide at some level want others to know beforehand, without coming right out and saying it, maybe as a last effort to have someone talk them out of it.

I am a fairly new subscriber, about 6 months. I have thoroughly appreciated the RftH Daily Devotionals and have been moved by so many, yet never written. This one has moved me to write. My wife is suffering from depression. We had never dealt with it until summer 03. She gets "well" and then spirals back into it. We are now dealing with it again for the 4th time. It lasts from 5 to 8 months. Each time has been different than the preceding times. I can tell you that what is normal suddenly becomes worrisome to her, causing high anxiety and pushes her to the depths where she is completely unable to stop thinking about suicide, doubts her salvation, etc. I continually stand by her and reassure her that salvation depends on God and not her, that she is supremely loved and valued and that no matter how she feels.
The last time that she came out of the depression took 12 weeks of meds and counseling. We are in week 11 right now. I am not optomistic that it's going to be 12 weeks..... I am committed to her, our marriage and the Lord. I would appreciate your prayer for us as you think of us. My heart and prayers also go out to all who are struggling with depression and thoughts of suicide. God Bless. He never fails.

Suicide is hard for those left behind to accept because they feel that they are somehow to blame, but sometimes this is not true. Often, those people are so depressed that they don't hear anything but their own thoughts.

I think about suicide almost every day. 10 months ago I woke up with a brain disorder that causes an excruciating amount of pain. This disorder has no cure, or medicine that will help. Doctors just say "there's nothing we can do." There is virtually no research for the disorder, and no hope on the horizon. Once acquired, a person has to suffer unbearable torment for the rest of their lives. It's not terminal. It's worse; it's a living death that endures for decades. I can't sleep very well, and have no quality of life. I pray every night for God to let me die so I can be with my Savior. I now understand completely why people commit suicide with this disorder. They are going through pain and suffering others can't begin to imagine. If it were legal to have myself put to sleep and donate my organs so others could live, I would have already done it. Maybe that way I wouldn't be considered selfish.

Dear April.
I don't know what you are going throught because I never went thorugh it myself. However, let me give you something to think about. There must be people who love you. Think about how they would feel if you took your own life.

This is the first time in 3 years that I find myself in disagreement with you, Dr.

With all due respect, I would love to know where scripture states that a person that commits suicide is forgiven. Without repentance how is forgiveness received.

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Selfish? The ones left behind are selfish to want this person to continue living in pain! He has probably tried what he thinks is everything to get "better". Suicide might be the only choice left. When someone has gotten to that point, he has usually been the victim of pain a VERY long time.
Why not rejoice that his "pain" is gone!?

I guess the exception would be when someone commits suicide to punish the ones left.....

Would some please pray for me - I feel suicidal right now and I know it is wrong to feel this way.I know this will pass.

I had someone who sexualy hurt me pop up in my life 15 years later and am having all kinds of intense PTSD issues now at a time I can't go get help. I have forgiven him but I can not get over how much lesser I am now. With the PTSD I can't work in the field I studied to do and have all the student loans and a worthless degree - and dating is a nightmare since - I get drunk like a fish just to handle being held.Part of me says my value is what I make/own and that as woman I might as well be nun since I am not sexual. Part of me feels so worthless. And now his ex-girlfriend is harassing me online.

I know I have soul and all that - I really could use some prayers - I can't tell my freinds I feel like this - they will tell me what a bad persn I am to feel this way,

M, I did not see your post until Sat. AM so I hope you are okay today. I did say a prayer for you. Maybe you could see someone in a church counseling office to help you work through things. God knows you and what you are going through and He will go through it all with you. The Bible says to draw near to God and He will draw near to you. I draw near to God by studying His word and using devotional materials and praying so just coming to this site is a beginning place for you. I do pray you are able to know of God's supernatural peace today whether it comes by being in His word or through the outreach of Christians on this site or through a ministry. God bless you. I know He cares for you.