Should I Strive for a Relationship, or Will It Fall into Place?

Hey, everyone. We have another great question: “Should I strive for a relationship, or will it fall into place?” 

Answer:

I can share a few ideas from the gospel of Matthew. I think this is a really good principle, whether you want a relationship or anything else. In Matthew Chapter 6, Jesus is teaching us not to worry and what we do with the things that we worry about or want.

Trusting God’s Provision

He talks about the flowers of the field and the birds of the air and how God takes care of them, making this point: If God’s going to take care of those things, surely he will take care of you and me as his children.

Matthew 6:26-30 NIV 

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you, by worrying, add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon, in all his splendor, was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?” 

Seeking God’s Kingdom First

But then, after Jesus says all of these things, in Matthew 6:33 NIV, he says:  

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

So, I think we can apply this to this idea and this question, “Should you strive for a relationship?” 

I think that it’s a matter of what we are seeking. Are we seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness? Is that the priority in our lives? If we grow in Him and fall more in love with Him, the Lord will help sort out these other things in our lives. 

Even these other desires, even if they’re good desires, we want to make sure that our first and foremost desire is seeking Him, his kingdom, and his righteousness. And the promise is all these other things will be added unto you.

Embracing the Season of Singleness

So, if you desire a relationship and feel like you’re striving for it, I would encourage you to pause that striving and focus on the Lord. 

Ask the Lord, “What does he want to do in your life during this season of singleness?” Maybe the Lord has a purpose for it. Maybe the Lord wants to develop some patience or maturity. Whatever He might want to do in this season of waiting upon Him, seeking Him, and then trusting in Him. Even this word, “not to worry about tomorrow and not to worry about a future relationship,” but the Lord will bring that in in due season.

So, I would say that you shouldn’t strive for a relationship. However, if you continue in Matthew Chapter 7, God also gives us the open door to ask and to pray and to ask Him for the things that we desire. 

Matthew 7:7-7 NIV says: 

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

So, this idea is that the Lord does want to answer your prayers, the Lord does want to bless us, and the Lord does want to give us the desires of our hearts. I think if we couple these two ideas where, we’re seeking first the kingdom of God, and that’s our first and foremost desire of His righteousness and His kingdom. We can also bring these prayer requests.

Praying for Your Desires

If you really want a relationship, ask the Lord. Ask the Lord if that would be His will for you and that you would keep asking and seeking those things. 

As our heart aligns with His heart, He’s going to help us with our prayers of what we need, what we want. But have that boldness to ask the Lord for the things, the desires of your heart, but ask Him in this place as well for wisdom of, “Lord, not my will, but your will be done.“

I hope this helps and applies to this question of wanting a relationship. Seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness; make that priority number one. But then, number two, you can just take everything to the Lord, bring these requests to Him, and see how he will help sort that out in your prayer closet.

So, hope that helps. God bless you guys.

source https://calvaryyouth.org/biblical-answers/striving-for-a-relationship-a-biblical-perspective/

Navigating Singleness: Trusting God’s Plan

Question: How do I stay encouraged in singleness and trust that God has someone for me? Also, how do I deal with the doubt and insecurity while waiting?

Answer: Finding Hope in God’s Promises

I’m going to do my best to give a brief but clear answer. In this question, obviously, we have one of our youths who has a desire for a relationship but is struggling with singleness. And just asking the question, “How can I trust that God really has someone for me?”

Psalm 37:4 NKJV says, 

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give the desires of your heart.” 

Patience and God’s Timing

And so, a very important component of this is that I believe even that very desire for a relationship can be God-given. However, if I’m not careful, I can take a God-given desire and then try to have it come to pass or come to fruition in my own ability, and that’s a very dangerous thing. 

If you’re familiar with the Bible story of Abraham and Sarah, they had received a promise, but they were waiting for this promised son. And in their own understanding and wisdom, they had Ishmael, who didn’t come from Abraham and Sarah but came from Abraham and Sarah’s servant. 

Even though Ishmael was not the promised son, we can, in essence, create Ishmaels in our lives by doing things outside of God’s timing. So, patience—waiting patiently upon the Lord—is a big part of that.

Drawing Strength from Scripture

And so, what do we do, and how can we stay encouraged? My big thing for you is in 1 Samuel Chapter 30, which is what came to mind when I read this question. 

1 Samuel 30:6 NLT; it says, 

“But David found strength in the Lord, his God.” 

Or there’s another translation 1 Samuel 30:6 KJV; that says, 

“David encouraged himself in the Lord, his God.” 

Trusting God’s Plan

That’s really the answer that I give to you. You just have to trust that God’s Plan is better than yours.

This is in many areas of life, right? You might be looking at your future careers, or you’ll be looking at, “What am I to do in schooling?” and all these areas of life. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He’ll direct your paths.” 

Seeking Guidance and Support

That’s a very deep question, and I feel like it requires a little personal counsel, too. So, I’d encourage you to talk to a pastor or a parent. A spiritual leader in your life can give you great direction with a question like that. Thank you for asking, and I hope it helps. 

God bless you.

source https://calvaryyouth.org/biblical-answers/navigating-singleness-trusting-gods-plan/

Nurturing a Relationship with God

Hey, Calvary Youth! I have a question that was submitted by a student who says, “How do you have a relationship with God?” 

Answer: Building a Connection with the Divine

Let me just start off by saying I love the questions that are submitted. The questions that you young people ask are questions that I even wrestle with and seek answers to in my personal walk with God. 

Understanding the Intangible

Let’s just be clear that God is intangible in many ways because the Bible says that God is Spirit. It’s tough sometimes. Practically, we just need to ask, “How do I do this? I can’t see you. I can’t audibly hear you. And so, God, how do I get to have a relationship with you?” 

Jesus would even call you “blessed.” In John Chapter 20, he was conversing with one of his disciples, Thomas. 

John 20:29 NLT

“You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

Faith is the only way. Belief and trust are the only way we can be right with God, and it has to start there. It has to start with, “I just trust and believe that God is who the Bible declares him to be.”

Abiding in Jesus: A Path to Relationship

But to give a clearer answer, and as some homework if this is a question you have. John 15:1-13 gives great insight into a concept we know as abiding or remaining in Jesus. 

An important part of a relationship is that we stay put. That we find ourselves secure with Jesus, walking with him day to day, inviting him in day by day, and receiving his invitation day by day. You might even say “moment-to-moment” because this is just how any relationship is. There are moments when we enjoy that relationship.

Practical Steps in Spiritual Connection

Some key practical things, such as prayer and talking to God, are really important. And then there’s hearing from God. One of the main ways that I hear from God is through His Word. And so, when we say, “Do your devotion,” it’s having a time that we set purpose to read and study, but also to just receive and digest the Word of God.

But I want to share this one verse from John Chapter 15. I said I had some homework for you to read through that whole chapter in context. 

John 15:5 NLT, Jesus says these words; 

“Yes, I am the vine, and you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me, you can do nothing.” 

We’ve been trusting Jesus in that, knowing that He is the vine and we are branches. I’m trusting in the very source—the source who gives me the desire and the source who gives me the power—and that’s Jesus Himself.

Conclusion: Seeking Deeper Connection

So, continue to trust in Him. Fix your eyes in a spiritual sense upon Him, and He’ll guide you along that path of a right relationship. 

Great question. Again, if you ever need to talk more personally, come seek out me, Pastor Byron, or any of our youth leaders or pastors here at the Church. We’d love to share and dive deeper into that question with you personally. 

God bless you, students. 

source https://calvaryyouth.org/biblical-answers/nurturing-a-relationship-with-god/

Do Angels Have A Beginning?

Question: Do Angels Have A Beginning?

Hey, Calvary Youth. Thanks for submitting another question. This is Pastor Keegan, and I have the privilege of answering the question, “Did angels have a beginning, and can they die?” 

Answer: Understanding Angels’ Creation and Immortality

What an awesome question! The Bible has so much to say about these supernatural beings we refer to as “angels.” 

Angels’ Origin in the Divine Order

There’s so much I could talk about in regard to the classes of angels, the categories of demonic or fallen angels versus the good messenger angels of God. But just to give a simple answer: yes, angels have a beginning. 

They are part of the created order of God. We can see that in a number of scriptures. However, one of the key ones is Hebrews Chapter 1. If you want to do the research, read through it. It really emphasizes how Jesus, the Son of God, is greater than the angels.

The author of Hebrews, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God, summarizes at the end:

Hebrews 1:13-14 NLT

“God never said to any of the angels, Sit in the place honor of my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.”

“Therefore, Angels are only servants, spirits, sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.”

So, we’re seeing a class of angels that are spoken of here—specifically, those who are sent as messengers of God. God had a purpose for angels. They’re supernatural beings. Different than humans, of course. And in that regard, we can look at angels and say they’re not in the natural confines that we as humans are. 

Angels’ Purpose and Distinction

Remember, why did humans die in the first place? That wasn’t even part of God’s original design or order, but it was an effect of sin that entered the world. That’s why salvation is so important. 

If you noticed in Hebrews 1:14, God has a special mission for angels. A reassignment, you could say, after the fall, that they would go and be messengers for the saving work of God. Of course, Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. 

You can read through Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT, which talks about that.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”

Judgment and Immortality

But angels, yes, they have a beginning. They are a created order of God. 

Can they die? 

No, there is a judgment for fallen angels. Revelation Chapter 12 gives a little insight into what happened in the beginning when a third of the angels rebelled. 

Revelation 12:7-9 NLT

“Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels.”

“And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven.” 

“This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.”

The leader, of course, who we know as the Devil or Satan, leads that rebellion. Those angels will be put in what’s known as the “lake of fire.” It’s a place of judgment reserved for angels. 

Angels, Mortality, and Salvation

There’s another place in the scripture that talks about this bottomless pit or the abyss where certain fallen angels are bound for a time and a period.  But with all the best said, angels do not experience a physical death as humans do, nor do they receive the opportunity for salvation. 

So, humans are different from angels, and angels are different from Jesus. And Jesus, of course, is greater than the angels. Jesus is our Lord and Savior. I hope that helps. 

source https://calvaryyouth.org/biblical-answers/do-angels-have-a-beginning/

What Are Ways We Could Spread the Gospel?

Hey, guys. So, I have another really good question.

Question: “What are ways we could spread the Gospel?” 

I love this question because this is something that we, as believers, should really think through. We have been called to be ambassadors of Christ, to share the good news, to be the salt and the light of this earth. And so, what are some good practical ways that we can share the Gospel? 

I think this is one of our callings as believers. But there are many different ways we can do it, many different methods. There are a couple of things I want to pull out of scripture for you guys to hold onto and think about as you go about your days and opportunities to share the Gospel.

The first is in Romans Chapter 1:16 NLT. Paul is speaking here. He says, 

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.”

Or in the translation Romans Chapter 1:16 NIV:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”

And so, Romans Chapter 1:16 gives us the foundation of what the Gospel is. It’s good news. It’s the work and power of God that would save anyone who would believe in Him. As we think about sharing the Gospel, we want to put our foundation in remembering that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that: 

• Jesus died
• He rose again
• He’s ascended
• He’s coming back again soon 

And, with that, He’s proclaimed victory over death and the power to forgive our sins and to bring us into eternal life. And that’s the power of the Gospel.

In Romans 1:16, Paul says he’s not ashamed of this good news because it is the power of God at work. So, remember that the power of God is at work. That can start to give us the confidence to share the Gospel. 

I know that sharing the Gospel with people can sometimes be uncomfortable, awkward, or maybe even scary. And so, we feel a little intimidated by that. I like to fall back on this verse, knowing, just being reminded, that I shouldn’t be ashamed of it. Instead, I should be reminded that it’s the power of God that’s working. 

And, as I share the Gospel, even if I don’t articulate it very well, or I struggle, or I feel intimidated, whatever it might be, I can remember that as I share just the love and the hope of Jesus Christ and His death and resurrection, that is the power of God that wants to work and save people. So, I want us to rest upon the power of God and the power of the good news. And that’s going to give us some of the confidence as we share the Gospel.

And so, the question was, what are ways we could spread the Gospel? 

I think God wants to spread the Gospel supernaturally but in a very ordinary way. And so, He wants to use your life in an ordinary way as you go about your routine, context, and circle. 

Think about that. What does your life look like? Maybe you’re a student, and you’re going to school. So, you’re at school five days a week, playing sports, and maybe working a part-time job, whatever that looks like. Or maybe you’re homeschooled, and you’re with your family a lot, or you have a co-op that you’re working with, or you have unbelievers that you’re inviting to church, things like that. 

So, there are all sorts of contexts that surround our lives. And God wants to use those contexts greatly for the Gospel. And so, don’t diminish the season of life that you’re in. If you are going to school, share the Gospel faithfully at school. Like, look for the people in your lives that you can build relationships with, whom you can love, and that you can seek opportunities and open doors to share that. Think about that. Just the ordinary thing that God wants you to use.

In my life, we lived overseas for many years as missionaries. And we had this in mind: We wanted to share the Gospel overseas, and God put that calling on our lives. We had this idea of going to the ends of the earth and sharing the Gospel, and thousands would get saved, and God could do that.

But I learned very quickly, even in a foreign country, that I had to go about my ordinary day, and that was going to give me the opportunity to build relationships with people and share the Gospel. 

So, whether it’s meeting someone on the bus, in our language class, or meeting someone in the marketplace, Slowly but surely, God started to build relationships around us that we could share the Gospel with. So, think about that. You don’t have to have some sort of big project or plan. But it’s just like, what does God want to do through your life in a very faithful way?

The next thing I want you to think about is from 1 Peter 3:15 NLT:

“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And, if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.” 

A great way to share the Gospel is to worship Jesus and live for Him in everything you do. People are going to see that. People are going to see that there’s a difference in your life. There’s something different about you. There’s an extra amount of patience, love, or grace. 

People will ask, “Hey, why do you have hope? What’s going on?” This will open the door to start sharing the Gospel. 

What Peter tells us here is to always be ready to explain it. So, we need to be in a place where we’re ready to explain the Gospel in a clear way. We want to know God’s Word well. We want to have a personal experience with the Lord and a growing life with the Lord. So when opportunities do come, we’re not caught off guard. But we can be like, “Oh man, I’m glad you asked. Let me tell you a little more about Jesus Christ.” And so, be ready to explain that. Be anticipating people asking questions so that you can share the Gospel.

A third way that I want you to think about sharing the Gospel is kind of like what I shared at the beginning, just in your ordinary context, but be ready to share your testimony. God’s Word has power, so we want to share God’s Word but relate it back to what God’s done in our lives. 

John 3:16 NIV: says, 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Bring that verse into a personal way by describing how the Lord met you, how the Lord saved you, and what God’s Love looks like in your life. Share your testimony, how you surrendered to the Lord, and bring people into the process of what God is doing in your life. 

And that’s a powerful way to share the Gospel.

So, three things for you guys to just think about. 

1. Know about the power of God, and share that in your ordinary life. 
2. Be ready to explain the hope that you have and be ready to anticipate that. 
3. And finally, share your testimony and bring people into your life in a personal way.

And I know God’s going to open great doors for you to share the Gospel in your circles.

source https://calvaryyouth.org/biblical-answers/what-are-ways-we-could-spread-the-gospel/

How Can I Stay Humble in My Sport When Everyone Compliments Me?

Hey, guys. So, we got a question that came in. It says, “How can I stay humble in my sport when everyone compliments me? And how can I prevent getting cocky?” 

Answer: 

I think this is a really good question to consider, especially as believers participating in sports and competitions. I love sports. I love to play softball these days. Earlier in my life, I played high school and college baseball. And so, I really have a competitive nature, wanting to succeed and do well in those types of things. But I think the Lord also wants to teach us some things as we walk through this.

Firstly, just walk in thanksgiving. The breath in our lungs and the abilities, even athletic abilities, that God might give us are a gift from Him. And, we should start in that place of just thankfulness that the Lord would give us the ability to live, and to play, and to run, and whatever it would be that you’re into. 

And I think that’s the best place to start, in a place of humility. Even if you’re succeeding in a good thing, it’s okay to succeed, it’s okay to win, it’s okay to compete and do well. But we want to remain in that place of it’s the Lord’s Gift in us that we have that ability to do what we’re doing.

And so, the question here, it’s like, people are giving you compliments. How can you prevent getting cocky? How do you stay humble? And humbleness is key in our Christian walk.

And so, here are a couple of verses I want to share with you guys to consider. The first one would be in Colossians Chapter 3:12 NLT. It says: 

“God chose you to be holy people, and you must clothe yourselves in tender-hearted mercy and kindness, in humility, gentleness, and patience.” 

And so, just these attributes of what it looks like to be a believer, to be a chosen child of God, living for God in this world. Some of the attributes here highlight humility, gentleness, and kindness. And so, these are really kind of opposite to being cocky, and full of yourself, and full of pride.

James Chapter 4:6 NIV says: 

“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 

And so, you want to remember that. We want to remember that God has called us to walk in humility, to be humble.

I think that’s really a good place to start, as we start with Thanksgiving and remind ourselves of what the character of a believer is without getting too full of ourselves as we compete, play sports, win, whatever it might be. 

I think of Jesus’s character also. And I want you to just really consider the character of who Jesus is. As believers, we’re called to follow Jesus, imitate Him, and live for Him. And one of the ways we do that is by studying and observing His life and the way He lived here on earth. And so, think about Him. And, think about the very Son of God, the one with all the strength and power and wisdom and knowledge and ability in the world, who came and lived a sinless life here on earth. 

And yet, He clothed himself in humility and meekness. And it’s just this picture of meekness and humility, not a place of weakness. In fact, it’s a place of strength. That He would restrain himself from puffing himself up, and so, think about that. Even just as Jesus went to the cross, He had the full ability to conquer everyone around Him and just proclaim His greatness and His victory over sin and death in that moment. 

But instead, He chose the meek and humble way to go all the way to the cross to pay that death. And then, He rose later from the grave.

Think about this as we apply it to the question: Just about your walk with the Lord. Maybe it’s not even sports. But maybe it’s your academics, or music, or just something that you succeed in. Do it, do it well. 

Colossians 3:23-24 tells us: 

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

So, you want to put your full effort into it. You don’t want to feel guilty for being good at something. Go for it and be good at it. But then, remembering that it’s like, hey, we want to just walk in that place of humility.

And I love this verse in Colossians 3:12-14 NLT. I’ll read it again, and I want you to apply this to your life. It says:  

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”

And so, He uses this idea: to clothe yourself, to put on, to cover yourself with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. As you go forward, in whatever you’re doing, do it as unto the Lord, but clothe yourself in this humility.

And so, the final piece to this question is really just like people giving you compliments. How do you not get cocky in that? And this is how I would do it. I would direct those compliments back to the Lord. 

If someone comes up to you and compliments you on something that you’ve achieved or something that you’ve done, you can take that and be grateful for that. But then, you direct it back to the Lord. “Hey, the Lord gave me this gift.” Like, the Lord has given me this ability, and I use it in that.

The final thing about how to not be cocky is to remember there are seasons of everything. I succeeded in baseball, just looking at my own life. I succeeded pretty well in baseball through high school and college. And it was a season, and it was good. And I came to a realization that there were people who were still better than me. There were people who succeeded much better than I did and continued on with those things. 

I’m thankful the Lord gave me a season of success in sports, but also things come and go. Our health comes and goes, and our talents come and go. And so, that keeps us humble, and that keeps us not to be in a cocky place. Because we don’t even know what tomorrow might bring, so just keep those things in mind. Colossians 3:12 and James 4:6. 

I hope that helps with this question.

source https://calvaryyouth.org/biblical-answers/how-can-i-stay-humble-in-my-sport-when-everyone-compliments-me/

How Do I Escape from Dark Thoughts?

Hey, guys. So, I’m answering another question that came in, and it’s a really good question to think through. It’s a difficult question. And I know that just even a short video might not answer everything on this question. 

Question: “I have severe depression, anxiety, as well as suicidal thoughts. What are some ways to help me move away from all of this?”

The first thing I want to say is thank you for reaching out with this question. I would encourage you to continue to reach out to somebody, whether it’s myself, Pastor Keegan, or someone in your life that you know and trust. You need to really talk through this with someone face to face because it’s a real thing.  

You don’t need to feel condemned or judged for having some of these thoughts, but it is something that we would want to talk through with you because it can be very heavy.  But I want to give you a couple of things to chew on as you think about this.

The first thing comes from Genesis Chapter 1. Going all the way back to the story of the Creation and the foundations of the Earth, Genesis 1:27 NIV reads: 

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

And just this idea of going all the way back to the creation of what a human being is, we see here the great value that God places on human beings.  And speaking to you very personally, if you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts, this is a great foundation to go back to. God created you, and He put so much value in you that He created you in his image.

Regardless of your past and the things you’re going through right now, the truth about you is that you have great value because you are an image bearer of God. And, with that, we know that God has placed tremendous value and worth upon your life.

So, we know, as we look at that, that’s the truth. We know that we don’t always feel that.  I’ll be the first one to share that I don’t always feel worthy or valued. There are moments where depression or anxiety can come into my life. And so, I know that those things are very real. But we have to take those feelings and those thoughts back to the Word of God. 

I really like the phrase, “Feel your feelings. But then, filter your feelings through God’s Word.“ 

So, we feel our feelings. It’s okay to feel. We know that God was an emotional God and that feelings can be used in a very good and powerful way. But we also know that our feelings can sometimes be deceptive. So, we want to feel our feelings and acknowledge them. Don’t suppress or ignore your emotions. But instead, take them to the Lord and filter them through what God’s Word says about you. 

Your feeling might say that you feel worthless and that your life would be better off if you just ended it. That’s a feeling. But then, the truth of God’s Word as we filter that through, the truth is your life is valuable, that God has given you a purpose, and that you have been created in God’s image. So, we can take all of those things, and we can start to take them through God’s Word, which can help renew our minds in some ways.

As you walk through some of these things, remember God’s promises about who you are. And then, something practical I would encourage you to do is spend some time in Philippians Chapter 4. Philippians Chapter 4 is my go-to chapter when I’m feeling emotions of anxiety or whatever it might be. I believe that God wants to speak to you in this. If you’re wrestling with suicidal thoughts, this is a great practical place to start by praying through Philippians 4:6-7 NLT:

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”

So, I want to pause there really quickly because Paul says, “Don’t worry about anything.” 

In translation, Philippians 4:6-7 NLT: he says, “Be anxious for nothing.” 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

I’m like, “Man, Paul, that’s not realistic. How could I not be anxious for anything? How can I not worry about anything?” 

But I remember the context of where Paul’s writing this. He’s writing these words, “Don’t worry about anything,” as he’s been betrayed by his friend, sitting in prison, locked up, possibly facing the end of his life. And he writes these words inspired by the Holy Spirit. He says, “Hey, don’t worry about anything. Be anxious for nothing.”

I want to tap into what God was ministering to Paul at that moment so that he could have the confidence and the boldness to write this. And so, he says, “Instead of worrying, we should pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done.” 

The first place we want to go to with our thoughts of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideations we want to take those to the Lord. Tell Him about it. Verbalize those things to Him. Sometimes, we suppress the emotions and the feelings so deep that we can’t even formulate them in our mind of really what’s going on.  And so, it’s really helpful for us to pray those things to the Lord. Pray them out loud, and bring them to the light. Bring someone else into this prayer with you and really express your emotions before the Lord.  

In that, also thank Him for what He’s done. I know that can be really hard to do when we’re in a season of discouragement, but use that as a model for your life or just try to find something—one thing a day, even just to say, “God, thank you for whatever this is.” The heart of thanksgiving will often saturate the rest of our lives and help us in those moments. 

He says, “Tell God, thank Him.” And then, the promise in these things as we tell God, as we open up our whole lives, and our whole mind, and everything before the Lord, as we do these things. The promise that God has for us, as he says in Philippians 4:6-7 NLT: 

“You will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand, and His peace will guard your hearts and mind as you live in Christ Jesus.”  

Isn’t it true how much we need the peace of God to guard our hearts and our minds? Because as we think about anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, all of these things, that’s where the battlefield is. It’s all in our mind; it’s all in our heart; it’s all internalized, and how we need God’s peace to protect us and to guard us in those things. And how do we do this? How do we allow this? First and foremost, go to the Lord, tell Him everything, and open up before the Lord.

And then, in Philippians 4:8-9 NLT, it continues. 

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”

And so the practical thing to do in our lives is to start fixing our thoughts on the true things, the honorable things, the pure, the just, and the right. So, it goes back to that idea of feeling our feelings, but then we filter them through the Word of God. 

• What does God’s Word say about this? 
• What is the truth of God’s Word?  
• Is this a pure thought? 
• Is this a lovely thought? 
• Is this a right thought? 
• Is this excellent and worthy of praise? 
• Or is this a lie? 
• Is this not lining up with what God says about me in his word? 

Spend some time there in Philippians 4. I encourage you to pray through it and really, for real, reach out to someone. Reach out to me or someone who’s close to you because you need people in your life as you walk through these strong and real emotions. 

You’re not alone; God is with you, and there are other people who want to be with you in this. And so I hope that you do. I’m praying for you. I know this is a really real question, and there’s so much more to be said.  So please continue the dialogue in this.

source https://calvaryyouth.org/biblical-answers/how-do-i-escape-from-dark-thoughts/