I recently presided over a funeral service for someone my own age. He died by suicide.
I did not know this man before he died. I cannot go back in time and have a conversation with him. If I could, there are some nuggets of truth I would share with him to make sure he had heard or was reminded of just how much he was loved. I cannot go back in time and have a conversation with him, but I have this opportunity to share with you what I would say to him. I want you, dear reader, to hear (or read) and know these truths, too.
I want you to know the truths about you found in the Bible, God’s love letter to us. Here are a handful of them.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made by our Creator. God knit you together in your mother’s womb.
Psalm 139:13-14 NIV “For 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.”
God knows you better than you know yourself. God even knows how many hairs are (or are not) on your head. You are one of God’s most treasured possessions.
Matthew 10:29-31 NIV “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
You were created on purpose and for a purpose.
Ephesians 2:10 NIV “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
God rejoices over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 NIV “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
You are not alone. God hears your every cry. Tears are a language God understands. God has kept a record of every tear you have ever shed whether for sorrow or laughter.
Psalm 23:4 NIV “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 56:8 NIV “Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll—are they not in your record?”
Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
God is as close as your next breath or heart beat. Draw near to God and God will draw near to you.
Above all, I hope you know you are loved. You are loved not just on Valentine’s Day or on days when everything seems to be going well. You are loved every day of the year.
You are loved. God loves you.
John 3:16-17 NIV “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
Jesus is our living hope.
Beloved, be loved. Be love.
If you or someone you love are struggling with life’s difficulties or thoughts of suicide, know that help is available. You are not alone. Call the suicide and crisis hotline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for more information or to talk with someone.
Rev. Haley Hausman
Pastor of the First United Methodist Church
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The Kewanee Voice.
