According to the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention, suicide was the twelfth leading cause of death overall in the U.S. Suicide is also the second leading cause of death amongst those aged between 10-14. Suicide is a growing epidemic, but what is said about suicide in the Bible?
“Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.” James 5:17 (AMP)Elijah was one of the most remarkable men to walk the earth. He raised a widow’s son from the dead. Spoke out against a tyrannical Monarchy. Got fed by ravens, However, as many people know, Often the next stop from the mountaintop is the valley.
“I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” – 1 Kings 19:10 (NLT)
“He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” – 1 Kings 19:4 (NLT)Elijah had all the prophets of Baal killed. When this happened, Queen Jezebel said she would kill Elijah, so, in fear, he left his servant behind and ran into the wilderness, where he sat under a broom tree and prayed he would die. While Elijah slept, an angel woke him up, provided him with food and water, and encouraged him to take nourishment. Elijah ate and drank, but then he lay back down. Instead of feeling victorious, Elijah felt hopeless, alone, and afraid. As James said, he was just like us. He was blessed, but he was broken. He felt defeated and depressed, even suicidal.
Our hope is in Jesus
When we are depressed, we often feel like we are the only ones. We feel isolated. Our eyes are blinded to those around us. This story of suicide in the Bible reminds us of God’s kindness. He is with us in every hardship and will even provide for the little things like sleep and hunger. “for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” Acts 18:10 This story reminds us that you can be Holy and depressed. Even the mightiest prophet can feel alone, sad, depressed, and lonely. God can use you even if you have struggled with suicidal thoughts. The two are far from mutually exclusive.*********************************
If you or anyone you know may be in suicide, mental health, or substance use crisis in the US, please call 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, now called the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
For International countries, please find the suicide hotline in this directory.
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Hello brothers and sisters, hope my mssg finds you all well in christ. Am really struggling with mental health because of the fact that i have looked for a job here in Dubai for some good months but all in vain. I feel lonely, depressed n i hv no one around to talk to. Please all i ask you is to pray for me that i over come this situation. Am 27 years with alot of needs as a girl child and i don’t want or even ever feel of using my body to get all that I need n for my family’s sake. May God help me less my craving days and rescue me from all this situation. Amen.
Dembe, we pray that God will sustain you through this season. Please know that there are professional resources available to help you with your mental health!
In the name of Jesus, He is just and will hear your pain and cries, depending on the true God of Israel, He will provide a way, even it means to leave home, God has plans, pray and meditate in your mind the most personal details that only God will know. The blood of Jesus is powerful, I understand your pain and going through hardship and wish to share it with you. Love you in the name of Jesus, may God give my hug to you. In the name of Jesus bless brothers and sisters here today, Amen.
In the passage you’ve mentioned in James 5 17 it is written that the character is Elias and not Elijah. Please fix it up, it may cause confusion to people
Hi Jonesy, Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! Which version of the Bible do you use? In the versions we used, the passage in James refers to Elijah, rather than Elias.
God will provide
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