Hope in the Darkness
Read Psalm 143
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.
-Psalm 143:8 (KJV)
WHEN a loved one tried to commit suicide, I quickly plunged into a pit of guilt and condemnation. I thought that it had to be at least partly my fault, that if I'd recognized the signs, none of this would have happened. It was a time of despair for my loved one and for me.
During that time, a close friend of mine who was unaware of our situation phoned me to say the Lord had "given" Psalm 143 to her for me, that she was supposed to tell me to read it and rely on it. I began to read that psalm each day, and I taped Psalm 143:8 to our upstairs phone.
As the days went by, the guilt and condemnation began to leave me. It was leaving my loved one who had attempted suicide as well. Looking back, I now realize that the situation began to improve when we began to focus on God. Today I see God as a friend I can lean on, no matter how difficult the problem. I can trust God, no matter how hopeless things may seem.
Psalm 143:8 is still taped to our phone as a daily reminder that God is there for me.
Linda E. Knight (Ontario, Canada)
Dear Lord, when clouds of depression and hopelessness descend, teach us to look to you as light for our way. Amen.
The promises of scripture are true for each of us.
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Those contemplating suicide
