Causes
The
key cause of suicide is depression which can be attributed to:
a. Guilt. Example from scripture is Cain after he had
killed Abel, his brother (Gen. 4:6-7); another is David, after he had committed
adultery with Bathsheba and further killed his husband (he was depressed until
he confessed).
b. Chronic sickness
c. Loneliness
d. Failures
Solutions
What
should the Christian do if devastated by depression?
Depression is too complicated to solve with a single
smart answer. The Bible does not use the word “depression” although it
describes people we might call depressed ( eg.Saul and his armour bearer (1
Sam. 31:4-6), Ahithophel (2 Sam. 17:23), Zimri (1kings 16:18) and Abimelec
(Judges 9:54). In addition, people use the word “depression” to cover
everything from disappointment over losing a baseball game to the terrifying
gloom that drives people to suicide. However, there are a few general
principles I would advice when trying to deal with depression
a) Although science has developed some medications to
give relief to depression, one of the key cures is to deal with the root cause
of the problem. Aim to work on the root causes
and not the symptoms. Drugs can mask the symptoms, allowing you to ignore
root causes. Some people may use antidepressants to avoid approaches that
require you to deal with other unresolved issues. It seems easier to pop a
pill. A general rule of thumb is to try other strategies first, unless the depression is so severe that the person endangers himself or finds himself
unable to participate in other therapies.
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b)
Realize that you can't base life on your emotions: Christians base life on truth, not feelings. Choosing
to trust truth rather than your feelings.
Trusting what God says rather than your feelings is certainly a more
realistic approach to life! Many people who claim to have faith keep plunging
through life ignoring God's principles for healthy living. If we spurn the
good advice that the Bible contains, we won't escape the consequences - even
if we have faith. Heed God’s advice.
c) Avoid being alone. Force yourself to be with
people. As a Christian, do not give up fellow-shipping together (Heb. 10:25)
d)
Seek help from
others.
Talk to your Pastor, other Counselors or family members matured in Christ.
But be careful with the advice you receive so that your situation won’t get
worse as Job was advised to curse God and die by his wife and some friends in
the midst of his crisis.
e) Sing. Music can uplift your spirit as it did
for King Saul (1
Samuel 16:14-23).
Praise and give thanks. “In
everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”
(1 Thessalonians 5:18).
f) Rest confidently in the presence of God's Holy Spirit. Remember He is
our comforter, guardian, revealer of things to come and helper. What else
will you need?
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g)
Feel
forgiven about your sins and apologies (1Jo:1:9: If we
confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness).
h) Lean heavily on the power of God's Word. (Romans 15:4:
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning,
that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Read
it, meditate on it day and night and trust in it. We will read a few
encouraging scriptures to see what is in store for us according to the word
of God:
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·
Romans 15:13 -"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and
peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy
Ghost". see Part 3
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