“In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” - John 1:4-5

2020.  New goals.  New opportunities.  New beginnings. The new year always brings change into our lives, whether big or small.  Sometimes, those changes are a positive. But other times, the changes can be horrific and a negative adjustment in our life.  

Although many good things came out of 2019, there was also a massive rise in tragic events, and in particular, the rates of suicide.  In New Zealand, where I’m from, over the past year, suicide statistics have increased drastically. It appears people are feeling more helpless and alone in this world than ever.  In cases of suicide, families are left broken and grieving and so for many, the new year brings painful reminders of the previous year’s tragedies.  

It breaks my heart to hear of those who have lost loved ones and to think that there are so many who battle through with such struggle.  This then brings in the notion that there needs to be a shift within humanity. A shift within society’s response to actively address mental illness, and a shift within our church culture where we need to share that our love, like God’s love, is unconditional.

Unfortunately, suicide is nothing new within human history.  Time after time again, we hear of people - including celebrities and people of status - lose hope.  Even in Scripture, there are references to people who took their own life. For example, Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples who betrayed Jesus and then committed suicide (see Acts 1:15-19).  Suicide is a devastating and tragic act, which has a massive impact on family and loved ones left behind. So many unanswered questions. Misdirected blame. So many “What if’s?”. 

The struggle is real and alive in our world today and, as Christians, we need to actively be involved with sharing the light of the gospel into this world where darkness seems to be overtaking many who are lost.

It can be the hardest thing for someone to open up about depression and mental illness.  Although our world is slowly coming to grips with the normalization of talking about such issues, these have been taboo subjects for far too long!  There have been many instances where I myself have felt helpless and unworthy and such thoughts crossed my mind.  

I know and accepted Christ, but there were times the feeling of the world closing in on me seemed too unbearable.  At times, I felt guilty, since I knew as a Christian I was declared righteous and, as written in 1 Peter 2:9, I have been brought out of darkness into God’s marvelous light.  But the devil is alive, and darkness can pull you back until you struggle to find a way to get back out again. Sometimes, it is easy to preach to yourself and talk yourself out of it, but darkness is evident within our lives, and this can leave us feeling alone and forsaken.  

As a result, our hearts are left feeling heavy, like there is nowhere to turn.  However, although we may feel this way at the worst of times, we must remind ourselves that God is able to meet us in the darkness.  As Christians, if we know of someone who is feeling like this, it is our job to draw close to them and be an open book so that they know they are not alone.  We need to continually reiterate that God loves us and He does not condemn us. God understands who we are and what we are going through. He wants us to grow in Him and be fruitful in this life, and not to be brought down to a point where a physical death seems better than life.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

We live in a fallen world, and it is inevitable that struggles are going to come our way.  When life’s hardships start to take over, we must make a change in the way such issues are addressed.  As Christians, we are called to be an active force in shining God’s light.

• We must lend an ear when someone needs to talk

• We must continually pray for those who are going through a tough season

• We must not be so quick to judge our brothers and sisters in Christ

• We must be more open about mental illness, depression and suicide in our conversations

• We must provide help with the best tools possible

• We must encourage others that it is ok to seek help

• We must keep reminding others that we are worthy and God loves us unconditionally

Beautiful one, you matter.  And so does your voice! If you are struggling, please don’t believe the lie that you have to keep quiet and think you have to deal with this alone.  You have been put here on earth with great purpose. His plan for your life is not yet completed.  

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33

It may seem that the world is winning, but our God has overcome the world.  You are not alone or forsaken. If you give them a chance, you’ll learn that people do care and we are here to help.  Most of all, God understands and He is always at hand, calling you back.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jacinda has travelled internationally spreading the word of God with her performing arts. She has a continual passion to share hope into a world of hurt and darkness, and through her story of struggle and redemption, prays that others will also come to know Gods amazing love. Jacinda was the founder of the online faith publication 'Hearts of Gold Magazine' and now currently runs the blog 'The Contented Life' - dedicated to all things relating to motherhood. She has a Bachelor in Theology, Diploma in Christian Studies, and a Certificate in Performing Arts. She is now a full-time stay at home mum to a beautiful little boy, currently residing in a small town called Thames, located in the beautiful coromandel of New Zealand.