It’s Alzheimer’s – It’s Time For Extraordinary LoveSample

What about Suicide?

By Pastor Curt Seefeldt, Director of Church Relations at The Lutheran Home Association

The Bible teaches that we are not really in control of our own lives. Sometimes we still think we should be. It may be that this erroneous desire for control is what tempts some to consider taking their own lives when faced with Alzheimer’s. 

Sometimes Christians fight thoughts about suicide by reminding themselves of the guilt and pain they will impose on the loved ones whom they leave behind.  A stronger answer is found in God’s Word. Consider the words of King David: 

“You created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me

were written in your book

before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:13-16, emphasis added).

The Bible teaches that God has a purpose for giving us our lives on earth and he promises to work good things through them. King David points out God has ordained when our lives were to begin and when he wants them to end. This being the case, do we dare change the time God has determined for us to die? Of course not!

That is why anyone who ends his or her own life is taking God’s decision away from him. Doing so dishonors God. This is wrong. It challenges God’s wisdom and goodness. So when we Christians consider the end of life, we will always want to pray to the Lord the prayer his Son offered as he faced the challenge of the cross: “Not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39).

Prayer:

Dear Savior, I know the thought of taking my life on my own terms is a thought that can enter my heart. I confess the fear of the unknown can lead me to want to avoid what is unpleasant. You know there are times I think I have nowhere to turn or no one to help. That’s why I turn to you. You know the future. You have promised through every trial you will help me and guide me. You have put people in my life to give me support. Bless me as I reach out to them. You have promised you can help me do all things when I rely on your strength. Loving Savior, let the promise of your forgiveness and your abiding presence sustain me to say, not as I will by as you will. Amen.