19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; 20 that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them (Deuteronomy 30:19–20, NKJV).
Why do people take their life? The reasons vary, of course, but one underlying cause is the sense of hopelessness. Suicide often follows the deluded belief there is no way out except death. Teen suicide increased dramatically during the Covid pandemic (Big Rise in Suicide Attempts by U.S. Teen Girls During Pandemic, U.S. News and World Report, June 11, 2021). What a tragedy. Human life is valuable; it is a gift from God (Gen. 1:26-27; 2:7; Ps. 8:5). Even as God set life before Israel, He sets the blessings of life before us. Sadly, self-murder ends every opportunity to be blessed and to be a blessing to others. Instead of viewing life as hopeless and helpless, seize the benefits of life by having faith in God, loving Him, and obeying His word (v. 20). Life is not hopeless. There are endless possibilities, and most importantly, eternal life, in Christ (Mark 10:26-31). Life is not helpless; God is our stronghold of security, delivering us through life’s trials (Ps. 18:1-3). Help a young person take joy in the gift of life and its purposes (Eccl. 11:9-12:1, 13). May we all “choose life” and live joyfully in the living hope of Christ (1 Pet. 1:3-4).
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