Overcoming Suicidal ThoughtsНамуна

Hope Is Ahead

When I was growing up, my dad would explode in rage, threaten me, and yell at me. Classmates made fun of me. I was hurt. I needed safety, love, and acceptance, but often experienced the opposite. As a result, I started to believe that I was worthless and the future was bleak. I didn’t just believe these lies, I lived these lies. And worse, I thought these lies were actually true. I later learned that over time, the more we think the same thoughts, the more they change our brain, making it easier and easier to return to them. This is one reason it was so hard for me to overcome these thoughts.

Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” When we are dealing with lies, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts, we must determine what happened to our heart. How was it hurt? What unmet longings have we experienced?

God made us with legitimate longings and needs—such as acceptance, attention, and safety—and those are meant to be fulfilled in relationships with Him and other people. But our experience of pain and unmet longings can lead us to believe lies. Lies like “I’m worthless,” “I’m unlovable,” “No one cares,” and “I might as well end my life.” These are lies from the pit of hell. As real as they might feel, please remember they are not even the slightest bit true. The enemy wants to deceive you and rob you of life, purpose, and love.

Let me encourage you to step into the hope God has for you today in three ways:

1. Identify the lies you are believing and ask God to help you believe the truth. You are not worthless. You are precious and loved by God (Isaiah 43:4). You are forgiven, redeemed, holy, righteous, and part of Jesus’ royal family (1 Corinthians 1:30). God has a hope and a future for you (Jeremiah 29:11). He is with you as you walk through the valley, providing for and protecting you (Psalm 23). When lies attack, tell yourself the truth and allow God to transform you by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2). You can rewire the neurons in your brain, making it easier to return to true thoughts.
2. Do things to interrupt the cycle of negative thoughts. Instead of letting lies and intrusive thoughts consume you, put together a puzzle, play an instrument, go for a run or get exercise in some way.
3. Get support. Tell someone you trust about the thoughts you are experiencing. Also, consider meeting with a psychologist or Christian mentor who can counsel you and help you experience hope and healing. Call the number below or use the links for hope and help.

God carefully knit you together in your mother’s womb. You are special. You are not a burden; you are a God-given gift to this world. Your story isn’t over. God has good plans ahead for you. Please remember that.

God, help me break the cycle of negative thoughts, believe the truth, and get support. Help me experience Your love and care for me.

If you would like to talk to someone, or are in crisis, please call 988 in the United States. If in another country, please visit https://www.iasp.info/crisis-centres-helplines/. For more help and resources on overcoming mental health struggles, check out resolutionmovement.org.