Finding The Reason For Living!

Despair! The utter LOSS OF HOPE or confidence. What is the void in life that brings people to a such a depth that they would feel there’s no reason for living? Without HOPE what is there? Where would be the drive to press on in life? Where would be the sense of purpose? What is the remedy?

Several weeks ago three individuals who had each attempted suicide (but either failed or were stopped at the last minute) were interviewed on a talk show. They were given the opportunity to tell their stories of what brought them to such a depth of despair that they no longer wanted to live and what their outlook on life was presently. Though all three had dropped to the depths of despair, having survived the attempt they now each had a much brighter outlook on life. One woman who had fought violently to keep from being rescued because she wanted to end her life so badly, now felt she had every reason to live. A young man who would bear the scars of his failed attempt for the rest of his life (scarring that in itself could perhaps bring about a depressed state of mind in some) was very much excited about life, being very thankful to be alive.

Just as many factors may have played a role in causing these three individuals to attempt suicide, there may have been many contributing factors to bringing healing and a sense of purpose back to their lives. However I found it very interesting (though not surprising) that there was one thing each of the three happened to mention in common and that was they had “found JESUS” following their failed attempts at ending their lives!

Of course JESUS makes a significant difference to life! Is that not our own experience? Without Him, where is the HOPE? Without JESUS there is plenty of room for despair. Paul reminded those at Ephesus that when they were separate from Christ they were without HOPE or God in this world. ( Ephesians 2:12) JESUS must be recognized as the HOPEFUL factor for life and eternity.

In the beginning of Paul’s letter to the church at Thessalonica he wrote…
“(2) We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, (3) remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and STEADFASTNESS OF HOPE IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.” ( 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 ESV)

And in the opening of his letter to Timothy we read…
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of CHRIST JESUS OUR HOPE,” ( 1 Timothy 1:1 ESV)

Peter also encouraged as he wrote…
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to A LIVING HOPE THROUGH THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST from the dead,” ( 1 Peter 1:3 ESV)

Not just HOPE, but a “LIVING HOPE” is what JESUS CHRIST has made possible for us. Because of JESUS we have something worth living for. May we help others come to know that JESUS “is the reason for the HOPE” that is in us. ( 1 Peter 3:15) He is the reason for living today and our eternal hope for the future. Being light ( John 8:12; 9:5; 12:46) JESUS provides us with a bright outlook on life now and for an eternity with Him.

In reference to JESUS, Peter stated…
“And THERE IS SALVATION IN NO ONE ELSE, for there is NO OTHER name under heaven given among men BY WHICH WE MUST BE SAVED.” ( Acts 4:12 ESV)

Have a great day KNOWING THE ONE WHO GIVES PURPOSE FOR LIVING!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Hope