story
by Monty Spencer
By Monty Spencer
Assistant Chaplain Kootenai County Sheriffs Office
As an assistant volunteer chaplain for the Kootenai County
Sheriffs during the past twenty years, I have experienced several
suicide-involved deaths. It is a very unpleasant, emotionally
difficult situation for all involved. Unfortunately there is not much
one can say to ease the pain from a multitude of emotions which loved
ones experience after a suicide. The only thing one can do is pray,
asking God to comfort their hearts. Suicide is a sad and terrible
tragedy.
What causes suicide? Many factors attribute to suicide, but most
psychologists say depression and I tend to agree. But what causes
depression? A bad day at work, relationship trouble, stress,
loneliness, drug addiction. Many things can cause depression. I
believe the root of depression is demonic. When talking with inmates
over the years during Bible studies, church services, or one on one, I
often ask them if they have ever heard a voice inside of them saying,
”You’re a loser, you’re nothing. Why don’t you just kill yourself?
Maybe not those exact words, but something close to them.” Every hand
in the room goes up. Whether people want to admit it or not, at one
time or another we have all heard a negative voice condemning us. This
voice is demonic. The devil is a thief and a liar and he wants to
destroy us. A thief only comes to steal, kill and destroy (John I 0: I
0). Depression is one of the devil’s tactics to destroy.
There are demons, the devil’s minions, who roam this earth and
influence the actions of man. Man is vulnerable to this influence
(Matthew 12:43-45). The devil tried to influence Jesus, God in human
flesh, (Matthew 4, Mark l: 13, Luke 4: 1-15), so he will try to
influence us also. Let us remember, ”We do not wrestle against flesh
and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the
rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of
wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12). The only way to
battle this demonic force is through prayer. “For though we walk in
the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of
our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God for pulling down
strongholds, casting down arguments, and every high thing that exalts
itself against the knowledge of God ....” (2 Corinthians I0:3-5a).
There is no other way except through prayer, period!
This is a call to action. “Beware, lest anyone cheat you through
philosophy and empty deceit according to the tradition of men,
according to the basic principles of this world and not according to
Christ.” (Colossians 2:8).”Therefore take up the whole armor of God
that you may be able to withstand in the evil day .... praying always
with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this
end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints ...”
(Ephesians 6: 13-18) Pray!
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