MEMORISE
Then Saul said to his armorbearer, "Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised men come and thrust me through and abuse me." But his armorbearer would not, for he was greatly afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword and fell on it (1 Samuel 31:4).
READ:
1 Samuel 31:1-6
[1]. Now the Philistines fought against Israel; and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell slain on Mount Gilboa.
[2]. Then the Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons. And the Philistines killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua, Saul’s sons.
[3]. The battle became fierce against Saul. The archers hit him, and he was severely wounded by the archers.
[4]. Then Saul said to his armorbearer, “Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised men come and thrust me through and abuse me.” But his armorbearer would not, for he was greatly afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword and fell on it.
[5]. And when his armorbearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword, and died with him.
[6]. So Saul, his three sons, his armorbearer, and all his men died together that same day.
EXPOSITION
Honestly, the issue of suicide is assuming a scary rate world over. We started the discussion yesterday. It is so saddening that these days. Imagine a septuagenarian who went to a bus station, only to suddenly walk into the path of a moving bus, and was crushed! Terrible, you would say. May God save this generation. Let us continue unravelling what God has for us from those factors therapists claim, cause suicide in the society.
Over-commitment to relationships, especially affectionate ones, is a major factor. Many young suicidal deaths are due to heartbrokenness from failed relationships. Some men/women have committed suicide because their lovers jilted them. So, seek the right guide before falling in love or entering into any relationship.
Inferiority complex also contributes to the menace of suicide. The beginning of Saul's end was when he began to see David as a potential threat due to inferiority complex. He did that until he wasted himself (1 Sam. 31:4). Do not lose your self-esteem. You are God's image. He has plans for you. No one should make you inferior in whatever form. That is why you should discover and develop yourself, regularly (Gen. 1:27; 1 Tim. 4:12).
Added to these is Loneliness, which they say, kills. If you are too emotional, learn not to be staying alone. Be active; engage productively in things that can dispel and diffuse toxic thoughts. Try sporting, even a walk out. Go to places that can edify you. Above all, stay hopeful in Christ; the best is yet to come!
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB 424
1. The heathen perish; day by day,
Thousands on thousands pass away!
O Christians, to their rescue fly;
Preach Jesus to them ere they die.
2. Wealth, labour, talents, freely give,
Yea, life itself, that they may live;
What hath your Saviour done for you!
And what for Him will ye not do!
3. Thou Spirit of the Lord, go forth,
Call in the south, wake up the north;
In every clime, from sun to sun,
Gather God's children into one.
Amen.
PRAYER POINTS
[1]. Dejection, get out of my life in Jesus' name.
[2]. I am very sure that whatever happens, God's plan for me will come to pass. So, I will not take my own life, in Jesus' name.
[3]. Pray that God should help homes and the government to put in measures that would stem the tide of suicide in our communities.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Ezekiel 13:1-16:43
AUTHOR.
CAC Worldwide
Remain blessed
 DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE DATE: Monday, September 11, 2023 TOPIC: SUICIDE IS NOT AN OPTION (II)){kind=link}