Do Yourself No Harm
February 8th, 2012
In his forty-year career as an author and journalist, Ernest Hemmingway (1899-1961) had several narrow escapes with death. Working with the Red Cross during the First World War, he was seriously wounded by mortar fire and had to be hospitalized for six months. Then, in 1933, he contracted amoebic dysentery in Africa and needed to be evacuated by plane. Eleven years later he was badly injured in a car accident, and in 1954 he was involved in two successive airplane crashes. Sadly, Hemmingway eventually died by taking his own life. He committed suicide at his home in Idaho in 1961.
The news of the acclaimed author's sudden death was a blow to many. But it was not unexpected. Like so many people today, Hemmingway wrestled with depression, hopelessness, alcoholism, and guilt. Unable to find peace, he conceded defeat and chose to end his unhappy life.
From time to time every one of us experience feelings of discouragement and hopelessness, some more intensely than others. It may be that recently you have been overwhelmed by such dark emotions. If so, let me assure you that there is help for you, if only you will reach out to Jesus. The Bible tells us that He is "a very present help in trouble," and that He "is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth" (Psalm 145:18). Instead of giving in to your troubled thoughts, turn to the Lord in prayer, call upon Him, and begin to read the Bible. You will find hope and strength in Christ.
What does God think of suicide? What would He say to any person wanting to end their life on earth? The answer from Scripture is: "Do yourself no harm," (Acts 16:28). If you read this chapter in the Bible, you will discover that these words were spoken by the Apostle Paul to a suicidal Roman who, at midnight, had drawn his sword and was about to kill himself. Hesitating, he cried out: "What must I do to be saved?" Paul called back, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household" (Acts 16:31). The Roman obeyed, and on that same night, he and his entire family believed and turned to Christ.
Hold fast to this inspired scripture. It is God's counsel to every man, woman or teen on the verge of giving up on life. "Do yourself no harm." Turn to Jesus! In your darkness, call out to Him. In John 12:46 He says: "I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness."
In His strong love,
Demitri
