Lately I have been hearing a lot about the epidemic of suicide throughout the nation and our world. It utterly breaks my heart and as things get more overwhelming with economic instability, the shootings, and the utter destruction of families I am reminded of one thing. We are never alone.
A few years ago, I watched a message by one of my favorite pastors, Mr. TD Jakes, see the message here on YouTube. This sermon literally changed my life. I invite you not to be turned off my use of religious words, but just open your heart and give this post benefit of the doubt. I believe this story could help you to rise up from the depths of despair.
The passage he speaks about is Matthew 14 where Jesus feeds the multitudes. He fed 5,000 people, by multiplying 2 fish and 5 loaves. Please read it if you have a moment, Matthew 14:1-34. After everyone was fed, the disciples took up 12 BASKETS of leftovers, put them on a boat and left to cross the sea to Bethsaida.
Jesus was away praying by the mountainside, and in the middle of the sea, a huge storm arose. The disciples were already in a state of panic, not realizing their savior was close by. Jesus began to walk on water towards the boat, and they were terrified and thought he was a ghost. He calmed them saying, “take courage, it is I, do not be afraid”. Then Peter asked for proof that if it was him, the he also walk on the water towards Jesus. “Come”, Jesus said. He began to walk on the water, but when he took his focus off of Jesus and onto the waves and wind, he began to sink. Jesus reached down and grabbed him and said, “O ye of little faith, why did you doubt?”
My friends, many times life is like this boat ride. Things go smoothly, and God gets us out of a jam, but the moment a storm rears its ugly head again we go into panic mode. This happens to me occasionally and every time I have to remind myself that my Savior has me, in the palm of His loving hands. Might I remind you of the 12 baskets. There was one for each disciple. We are so uniquely special to God, that He goes out of His way to send us individual reminders of His love.
So I would like to ask you, what are your 12 baskets? What are the ways He has saved you or come through for you before? Did He make a way for you to finish school? Did He heal your broken heart after a breakup? Did He save you from a horrible car accident? Whatever He did, I encourage you to take time right now to remember. Take time to thank and praise Him for all He has done. Take time to reaffirm your faith in who He is. If you don’t know Him, maybe now is the time to invite Jesus into your life. Click HERE for the sinner’s prayer. Once you take that step, try to reflect on all the ways He’s been there for you even before you were a believer.
Perhaps, print out a picture of something that symbolizes your breakthrough. Keep it nearby so that when the storm starts brewing again, and the wind & waves are overwhelming, you will see His hand reaching out for you, as the artist above has so beautifully portrayed. He is always there, a very present help in trouble. Please remember, that taking your own life, is not the solution. You are valuable, worth more than rubies, and dearly loved. I invite you to open up your bible, and begin to read the Psalms and renew your mind with His love for you.
P.S. if you are feeling lonely, this is a great song to listen to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7YKHRb59a4 and please pay attention to the lyrics
Praying for you…
For more information on the painting, please visit http://www.goodsalt.com/search/results.html?search_terms=yongsung+kim