PSA: Concerning Suicide

PSA: PLEASE READ THE WHOLE THING
"Do not run after or beg for the affirmation of people who have to wait until you're dead to appreciate you."

During my devotions one morning, I came across this note I had written in my Bible some years back. Reminded of the pain that caused me to write a bold statement, I realize how easy it is to succumb to the idea that one's worth is measured by how people pay attention to someone. Perpetuated by the need for approval, we often look to those around us to give us our sense of worth and identity.

But there is a danger in this. What if no one does or says anything? Are we still of worth? Back in high school, I found myself believing I was unloved (note: I believed this thought, but it wasn't necessarily true. I just couldn't see it.). First thinking I was a burden, subsequent thoughts led to even wondering what people would say at my own funeral. Feeling unloved and wishing people would come to your funeral to pour their love for you at your death is just as suicidal a thought as having planned how you want to end your life.

However, there is a lie in all of this. Suicide is not the answer to prove people's love. And those fighting these thoughts, I do not meant to shame. I know there is a legitimate need to know that you are valued, and your worth is not dictated by what may be done or said.

Moreover, and HERE IS THE KEY - God loves you. Oh, how He loves you!! And He has already determined that you are valuable; your existence delights Him, His thoughts about you are as great as all the sands on seashores. And because He never changes, the way God thinks about you will also never change (see Psalm 17:8; Psalm 139:14-15, 17-18; Zechariah 2:8; Zephaniah 3:17; Hebrews 13:8). You do not have to beg for society's affirmations, because the God of whole creation has already wanted you, completely. No matter what, He still loves YOU (and being that He is the one who created us, it's His "opinion" of us that only matters)!

Your life does matter. There is a purpose to you being present, and the world is better with you in it.