200 Reasons to Live - Part 2

On the following day, I told the class that the people who committed suicide as described in the Bible didn’t have to die that way.

Best Practices October 8, 2018

On the following day, I told the class that the people who committed suicide as described in the Bible didn’t have to die that way. They could have chosen a better life. As for us, we have to recognize that we have a real enemy whose mission is to steal, kill, and destroy; but on the other side, we have Christ Jesus who gives abundant life and joy. 

I told them that it was very important to know that God’s Word shows us what to do when we have suicidal thoughts. For example, Isaiah 41:10, says, “So, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”. There’s hope in God’s Word. He wouldn’t let us down, never.

They needed to know that the Lord also offers hope and deliverance. I open the Bible on Psalms 34:18-19, and have them read the verse. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all”.

They also had to know that God is always with them because He loves them, especially through their greatest burdens. In Psalms 55:22, says, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken”.

They had to understand that God does not condemn or accuse them. On the contrary, He offers freedom and peace, as long as you are with Him. In Romans 8:1- 2, says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death”.

“And the best of all” I said. “He has a wonderful plan for every one of you. Maybe now you are facing problems, but remember no matter how bad they may seem, they will not remain the same. There’s always hope ahead.” I encouraged them to read the Bible one more time on Jeremiah 29:11, “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”.

I didn’t want to finish the class without telling them that they had to realize there’s power in God’s Word, and in praying every day, because even in the darkest hour of our life, He is able to bring us through to the other side safe and sound. To end the discussion, I told them to have these words in mind when they are struggling in life: “God is not finished with me yet.”

Of course, it is also very important for teens to seek professional help when they feel suicidal. As we seek hope in God’s word, we can also seek a therapist or other professional who can help us and our loved ones find a way out of our darkest times.

Watch for Parts 3 and 4 of this 13 Reasons Why series right here on this blog in the coming weeks.

Author

Javier Girarte

Javier Girarte Guillén loves to interact with teenagers, he has been an ESL teacher, (elementary, middle school, and high school) for more than twenty years. His other passions, besides family, are teaching, writing, and tell stories to his teens children Itza Victoria and Javier Antonio. He is married to Hilda Valencia. He also has published a devotional book for teachers (ACES) and some articles about education (JAE). He is the author of the 2022 teen devotional "113 Reasons Why LIfe is Good" for the North American Division. He lives in Montemorelos, Mexico.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *