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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Weary (05/03/12)
    "For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes." (Jeremiah 31:25 NAS)
According to the World Health Organization (W.H.O.), suicide is one of the three leading causes of death among those aged 15 to 44 years in some countries, and the second leading cause of death in the 10 to 24 years age group. Every year, almost one million people die from suicide. Every 40 seconds, a person commits suicide somewhere in the world, and every 3 seconds a person attempts to die. Each suicide has a serious impact on at least six other people, and the psychological, social and financial impact of suicide on the family and community is immeasurable.

Socio-demographics indicate more males commit suicide than females, but more females attempt suicide. Of those who commit suicide, the majority have experienced a number of stressful life events, such as interpersonal problems, rejection, loss, work and financial problems, or changes in society.

"Very often when people say 'I am tired of life' or 'There is no point in living,' they are brushed off, or are given examples of other persons who have been in worse difficulties,” said the W.H.O. “Neither of these responses helps the suicidal person.”

The W.H.O. advised that the first step to help someone with suicidal tendency is to find a suitable place where a quiet conversation can be held in reasonable privacy. The second is to allocate the necessary time to listen attentively and calmly to understand the person's feelings. The aim of this is to bridge the gap created by mistrust, despair, and loss of hope to give the person the hope that things can change for the better.

Hope is what gives us strength when we are weary, and God is willing and able to increase our power when we lack the might (Isaiah 40:29). This hope we have in God is the anchor of our soul which is sure and steadfast, the one that brings us within the veil into the presence of our God (Hebrews 6:19). Without this hope, we have no vision, and without vision, we become unrestrained and perish (Proverbs 29:18). Yet if we wait for the LORD, we will gain new strength and mount up with wings like eagles, run and not get tired, walk and not become weary (Isaiah 40:31).

Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Are we weary and tired of life or the challenges we face every day? If we are, let us come to the Lord and He will give us rest. Rather than become weary in doing good, let us push ahead even if our life’s journey is wearisome, for in due time we will reap bountiful joy if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9). Remember, God is the One who satisfies the weary; He is the One who refreshes the weak and feeble (Jeremiah 31:25).

Do we know of anyone who is going through stressful times? Are we conscious of the people around us who are facing interpersonal problems, rejection, loss, financial difficulties or changes in society that are affecting them negatively? If we know of such people, let us not ignore them or be insensitive to them. Instead, let us give them hope in sharing with them Christ Jesus our Lord who is able to grant them strength and refreshment in weariness, salvation and joy forevermore.

Dear Lord, forgive us for sometimes yielding to feelings of hopelessness in our weariness, especially when facing seemingly endless challenges in our lives. Grant us the strength Lord to withstand, and remind us constantly to turn to You to get refreshed, especially in times of agony and distress. Keep us focus on You Lord in moving forward to what lies ahead, that we may not lose heart or grow weary in doing good. Help us bridge the gap with those who are weary Lord, that we may be the ones to bring them joy and hope of Your salvation.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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This article has been read 1473 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Leola Ogle
05/10/12
Wow-I had no idea that statistics for suicide is so high. Hope is the answer for those with suicidal thoughts and tendencies, and we need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit so that we can discern those around us that struggle with this. This was an excellent reminder. I have seen and known those who have committed suicide within the church and also in the ministry that I worked in for 19 years. It is such a sad, haunting memory. Thanks for sharing. God bless!
C D Swanson 
05/11/12
A well-written entry with pertinent information for the readers who aren't aware of these statistics.

It is up to each and everyone of us to "pay heed" to slilent prompters that could be indicative of suicidal ideation. So, many people are suffering, and so many might be saved if intervention were applied.

With Jesus'help all things are possible.

Good job. Thanks.

God bless~
Marina Rojas
05/13/12
Very nice commentary on this subject. Well written as far as the statistics go, but also, so poignant with the Christian view of having us be aware of those around us and a potential for hurting hearts.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
05/16/12
I have tears streaming down my face. I felt like you were speaking just to me. I've had several bouts of depression when the agony of living and the thought of being a burden to those I love overwhelmed me. This past week was an especially difficult time. Your prayer is one I should cut out and paste in my Bible to say over when I get too tired of living in pain. You really made a difference to me today. God bless and thank you.
Hiram Claudio
05/16/12
Wonderful message and so timely. I loved how you, at the end, brough it back to a call for us to be aware and sensitive of those around us. That is SOOOO needed today, especially in the church. Your piece was very well crafted and flowed easily. Nicely done!
Laura Manley
05/16/12
Oh, my! When I first started reading your entry, I didn't know if I wanted to continue because of its subject; however, I must say you presented it in such a way that not only was interesting but very factual. I also appreciated you giving the reader suggestions on how to deal with people who might very well be on the verge of ending their life. I thank you not only for your entry, but applaude you in how you presented it.
Genia Gilbert
05/17/12
This is very interesting. Any one of us can find ourselves, at times,among those who are weary and have lost hope. How we need people who care, and also need to be alert to that same need in those around us.