11-28-2018

Good Morning All,

          Psalm 88:3; “For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol.”

     There has been a lot in the news about depression and suicide these last few days.  It is the time of year when it seems to be worse.  Most of us probably have a pretty good grasp of the pain of suicide.  We may have lost a child or parent, a cousin or spouse, a friend or someone else very close to us.  It is painful and is really one of the devil’s vilest schemes.

     Depression and other illnesses are opportunities that the devil thrives on.  The devil will whisper to the one who suffers in a relentless attack to drive them further from God.  The devil will whisper and whisper until, in a moment of great pain, the sufferer can bear no more and, in a moment, makes a decision that cannot be undone by human hands.  The family and friends are left in anguish wondering what they missed or should have seen.  They should have been there; they could have helped so grief is compounded with guilt and the devil laughs with glee while you and I are left to pick up the pieces. 

    Yet, despite what looks like a win for the devil, it truly isn’t.  We have all sinned in one form or another and we all get to heaven the same way.  We fully, completely and totally rely on God’s grace and favor.  We rest in his loving arms, at all times.  We can only cling to his wonderful promise of hope and salvation.  The Apostle Paul tells us that “nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord”.  Nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from God’s love.  This is a promise from God who created all and knows all.  God knows what is out there and he still promises that nothing will separate us from his love.

    So if you have had a loved one who took their own life, know without a doubt that they have a loving God who looks upon them with grace upon grace.  God looks past all the extra stuff and knows the faith that lives within us.  He looks upon each of us with his grace and mercy.  He looks to us with his loving kindness and desires that we be saved. Know too that it was not your fault; you are not to blame.  The blame has belonged to and will always belong to the devil and his murderous lies.  The devil has been referred to as the “father of all lies” and the “father of all murderers.”  It is pretty safe to see where the real fault lies.

    So while suicide is painful and destructive, it does not mean that we are cut off from God.  It means what it means; that in this world sin still abounds and the devil still tries to trick and confuse God’s children.  Sometimes he succeeds at confusing us but not at separating us from God’s love.  Never forget that; we are never separated from God’s love and grace.  He holds us close even at times like these.  Actually, it is definitely at times like these; for at times like this God’s love is our only hope.

Father of mercy, many hear the whispers of the devil.  Some answer in their pain.  Father before you we are all beggars.  Comfort your people with your mercy.  Be with those who are being tempted by the devil and his lies.  Give them the strength to withstand.  Help us to recognize more quickly the needs of those around us and give us the words and wisdom to come to their aid.  In your precious name we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret