"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, NIV).
Summer is typically a time for the highest highs: enjoying the heat waves, relaxing in wave pools, and traveling worldwide. We take vacations, experience amusement parks, and hang out with friends and family. Last week, however, a heartbreaking event at Cedar Point left many in confusion, despair, and chaos. The presence of summer doesn't mean mental health struggles magically go away, but it does mean they often fly under the radar, unnoticed.
According to WTOL, a man died after jumping from a Cedar Point employee housing building on First Street. While the cause of death is still currently under investigation, organizations like the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation are reminding individuals that this is a call to be informed. Every day, 5 people are lost to suicide, and that's 5 too many. We may not have known this man personally, but the weight of his pain is rippling across communities and hearts. It can stir up questions, grief, or even our past struggles. So, where does this leave us?
In John 16:33, we're reminded that in this world, we will have trouble. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't mean that we won't face hard or difficult things, but it does mean that His presence will be with us. Because Jesus has overcome the world, we can overcome the difficulties in this life as we look to the life to come.
Psalm 91:14-16 explains the phenomenon this way:
"Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation" (NIV).
We live in a fallen and broken world where mental, emotional, and spiritual pain is real. I wish things like suicide, depression, anxiety, trauma, and abuse didn't exist. But they do. Again, I want to normalize that Christians are not immune to depression or despair. Many people in the Scriptures, from Elijah to Job, David, and even Jesus, confirm this well. But they also reveal to us that God cares about our suffering and desires to be with us amidst it.
In one of my favorite passages, the Psalmist reminds us that God doesn't just care about our suffering, but He sits with us in it. Psalm 34:18 says it this way: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (NIV).
Friends, when tragedy strikes, it can feel like God is distant. But let me assure you, He is not. It's okay to acknowledge and feel this way. I would even encourage you to tell the Lord you feel this pain. But He is near, grieving with us, and offering hope. My prayer for all of us would not be to ignore our feelings or circumstances, but to invite the God of all hope into them. Knowing that God's heart is for life, full restoration, and the healing of the soul.
When mental health tragedies and crises strike, like the event at Cedar Point, it can leave us feeling lost, hopeless, confused, and even scared. We wonder what will strike next and how we can prevent it. While these suggestions can't bring back those we've lost, it's my prayer that they can help prevent further ones from losing their lives.
1. Choose Compassion Over Judgment: Especially in times of great sorrow and loss, resist assumptions or harsh words. Seek to hear, listen, and understand. Choose empathy over being condemning or hypocritical. As Romans 12:15 reminds us, mourn with those who mourn. Share in their sufferings and help carry their burdens (Galatians 6:2).
2. Be a Light in Dark Places: In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus concludes His Sermon on the Mount by sharing a short teaching about salt and light. In it, He reminds us that no matter the darkness around us, we can share His light. This light is hope through presence, prayer, and listening ears. It's not throwing Christian cliches, but rather, sitting with people in their suffering as Jesus sat with us in ours, and gently guiding them to hope. This isn't a prosperity Gospel or mantra of looking on the bright side. It's being real, and offering a shoulder to cry on, encouraging them to express their grief and confusion, but then helping them from that place to step into the light.
3. Watch for warning signs: If you've never been trained in Suicide Awareness and Prevention, or basic Mental Health training, get educated. Anyone can benefit from this, and everyone can participate. Be aware of the needs around you; check in on friends, even if they “seem fine.”
Friends, events like these can shake us to our core. They are incredibly depressing, beyond words and waves of grief. But let this be a reminder to reach out to one person who is struggling and let them know that they are not alone. Listen to hear, seek to understand, pray with them, and sit with them where they are. Remember: You can be present without needing to “fix” everything.
Then, I'd encourage you to sit with yourself and take the time to reflect on these questions:
How do I typically respond when I hear about tragedies like this?
Who in my life might need encouragement, prayer, or a listening ear right now?
Am I rooted in the truth of God’s Word so that I can offer hope when others feel hopeless?
How can I check in on those who are suffering? Do I need to learn practical resources and tools to serve them best?
Do I need to pray for anyone God has placed on my mind? Are they suffering physically or mentally? If so, how can I offer a word of encouragement that validates and brings hope?
Is my Church supportive of mental health struggles? Are they equipped to respond to crises? If not, how can I advocate for and get that training in my Church?
Dear God, our hearts ache when we hear of the lives of those lost too soon. We know that mental health struggles, including suicide, are not your plan. When tragedies like these occur, please draw us near to you. Draw us near to the brokenhearted, and comfort grieving families who need your love. Help us to be people of light and compassion, offering real and practical hope to those in a hurting world. Remind us that no darkness is greater than your light, and even here, even in our pain and suffering, you're with us. We love, praise, and thank you, Jesus. Amen.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Mental Health America
Mental Health First Aid USA
I Love Jesus, But I Want to Die by Sarah J. Robinson
Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation
Anthem of Hope
National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention
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