Experiencing Jesus in the Wake of Suicideනියැදිය

Truths to Live By

Peter, knowing we are more vulnerable to Satan's attacks when we are suffering, warns us to be alert in Chapter 5 of his first letter. Satan is just waiting for us to become so distracted by our circumstances that we take our eyes off Jesus so that he can slip in and devour us. Peter further instructs us to stand firm in the faith. To stand firm is to stay focused on Jesus. We must constantly remind ourselves of who he is while allowing him to help us and teach us along the way.

Whether we've known Jesus for the majority of our lives, known him for a short while, or maybe you're reading this and you don't know him as Savior yet, these three truths are worth learning and clinging to over and over again:

1. Jesus is not far away.

Contrary to how we sometimes feel, Jesus is not some distant, far-off, unapproachable God who does not comprehend where we are or what we're going through. But instead, he sees us and meets us where we are. He is in the trenches of hurt with us.

One of Jesus' promises is that he will never leave or forsake us. This means that even in our most painful moments, he is near. And not only is he near, but he is speaking on our behalf to God the Father when we can't muster up the words to say on our own.

2. Total dependence on Jesus is indispensable.

Whether we realize it or not, every hour of every day, we need Jesus. While we often get caught in the trap of trying to muscle our way through life on our own, he doesn't expect us to, nor does he want us to. Jesus is the only one who can give rest to the weary, comfort to the hurting, and hope to the hopeless. We desperately need him.

3. Trust placed in Jesus will never be misplaced trust.

To trust someone is to have complete confidence in that person. To trust the Lord with all our heart is to have that same confidence in Jesus, knowing he has everything under control and our best interest in mind. It is fully believing that he will take care of us. We're instructed in Proverbs chapter 3 to not rely on our own understanding because we can't see the whole picture like God does. Instead, we are to seek him in all of our ways, and in doing so, we allow him to take the lead in our lives and fulfill his purpose in our lives.

Thank you for reading!

This plan was adapted from Hope, Hurt, and Healing by author Catherine Renfro. Click here to learn more or purchase your copy.