Suicide—the desire to end one’s life. There are a few times in my life, I have thought about it. The first time was when a relationship ended, with someone I thought I would marry– I was heartbroken– I thought I would never love again.
The second time I came close was during a time of transition. I had moved to a new place and had a new job. I didn’t have friends at first—that took some time. I was very, very lonely.
I had gone back to my hometown and had made plans to see my college friend and former roommate. I waited at her apartment building for her to show up, and she did not. I could hear this lie—“No one loves you. You don’t have any friends. Even your best friend has forgotten you.”
I left to drive back to my new town, and I was engulfed in tears. I thought about driving my car off the road, and banging into some trees, and ending it all.
I could hear another voice through the lies, a voice telling me not to listen, to have hope. A voice telling me that if I ended my journey now—I’d never see all that was in store for me, …a voice telling me not to despair, that I was loved with an everlasting love.
I realized then that what we choose to listen to—can bring life or death. There is the voice of lies and death, that constantly vies for our attention—and if we pay attention to that voice—it will seek to destroy us. Jesus tells us that the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, but He comes to bring us life and bring it in abundance. Then He goes on to tell us that He is the Good Shepherd, and He lays down His life for the sheep. John 10: 10-11
He is the Good Shepherd, and He laid down His life for us to give us life—life in abundance. I love that!! But there is also the thief—and the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. We have an enemy of our souls. He will lie to us—He will try to steal from us, He will try to destroy us.
So what can we do? We do what sheep do—they listen to the Shepherd, they follow the Shepherd; the Shepherd finds green pastures for them, the Shepherd protects them with His life.
Jesus says that if we listen to Him and do what He says— we will be like people building their houses on the rock—and when the storms of life come—their house will stand. Luke 6: 46-49
In other words—listening to Jesus and doing what He says—is an act of faith—it is saying to Jesus—I trust You enough with my life—I am going to look to You—You are going to be the rock that I build my life on. You are my firm foundation!
So let us be encouraged!!
Encouragement for you!! 