The lies Satan tries to tell us all too often turn into suicidal thoughts. But you can combat them with God’s truth.

Combat Satan’s Suicidal Lies with God’s Truth

by Ashley Saulnier

 

Why some commit suicide and others don’t is a mystery. My suicidal thoughts came on a deployment where I was alone and thought there was no way out, no other meaning to life, and nothing to hope for. 

 

Who am I? What is my purpose? These questions stop some of us dead in our tracks. In the Army, our identity constantly changes. With PCSs, job transitions, different ranks and different environments, we are at a constant risk for questioning who we are.  Suicidal thoughts can sneak in when there’s a lack of knowledge of our identity or purpose.  

 

Well, God’s truths are a firm foundation for the prevention of attacks by the enemy and suicidal temptations.  

 

Who We Are

 

The first question, who I am, is answered specifically by Peter in his letter to the ‘strangers’ scattered all over the nations. Keep in mind, this was a letter to the Gentiles, or the people that had no God. They were now, even with all of their different backgrounds, identified as being God’s children. 

 

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9

 

This is who we are. We are his chosen people. No matter where we are, what we are going through, or what may come our way, our identity will never ever change. This reality helped me to know that I am not a wanderer, forgotten, lost, or without an identity. I am his and he is mine.   

 

Why We’re Here

 

What is my purpose? We all have different gifts and are wired differently. Isn’t it intriguing that although there are an estimated 7.9 billion people in the world, no two people are wired the same? To me, this means that we are all unified by faith in Jesus Christ. In him, our salvation is the same. Reverting back to Peter’s letter, we can praise him, since we are also all his. We can approach everyday in our crazy military lives, with joy knowing that our singular purpose is to serve him.  

 

“I wish the state of enthusiasm I am in may last, for to-day I have felt that there is a God; I have been devotional, and my mind has been led away from the follies that it is mostly wrapped up in.”

Elizabeth Fry

 

Let us acknowledge there’s a God. Let us acknowledge that he is bigger than all of our circumstances. And let us all share this knowledge with those who are hurting the most. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, our identity is on solid rock. Like Paul says, nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. 

With God’s truth, you can rise up from Satan’s suicidal lies.

Rise Up

 

Pause Take some time to pray for those affected by suicide. If this includes you, also take some time to immerse yourself in God’s love for you. He has revealed himself to you time and time again.  

 

Reflect Reflect on God’s faithfulness to you in hard times. If you haven’t undergone thoughts of suicide, but know someone who has, be bold. Share gospel truths and how  God has proven himself worthy of our attention and love.  

 

Train Keep a few Bible verses in your pocket, purse, at work, and at home.  Memorize God’s truths about your identity and purpose and recite them. Don’t just keep them to yourself, but share them with someone who might also need them. These verses have been particularly encouraging to me:  Romans 2:4, Jeremiah 33:3, and 2 Timothy 2:3-4.

 

Prayer

Father, thank you that in you, we have our identity and purpose. I am also so thankful that no matter what, that never changes. I know I am your daughter and that you’ve placed me here for your glory and to reach the ends of the earth with the good news of your kingdom to come, through your son Jesus Christ. Father, help us to train in your promises so we don’t forget them and to show and proclaim to others their worth, identity, and purpose so that they don’t fall into Satan’s traps. Help us beat suicide Lord with your truths forever and ever, in Jesus’ name. Amen.  

 

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