02Dec16

Proverbs 23:18
Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

As a chaplain, one of the major issues that I deal with on a frequent basis is suicidal thoughts and attempts. Sadly, this is rampant in the Army today and does not look like it is getter better through programs and briefings but, rather, worse. Someone asked me very recently what the answer to this problem is and my response was simply this, "hope and purpose." But, the hope and purpose that Chaplains know, and can provide, is restricted to a very small realm in a pluralistic environment. It's like asking a surgeon to operate but, not allowing them to use the scalpel. People want the answer to the problem without the one who gives the answer. Real hope, the kind that gets you through the lonely moments and the fearful experiences in life, comes through faith in God. Lasting hope comes from faith. Because if it comes from any other area of life... it can be taken from you. If it comes from your abilities there can be an accident. If it comes from your relationships they can be broken. If it comes from your accomplishments they can be destroyed. No crap hope, hope that stays with you when all else seems to desert you, comes from God and your faith that He is who He promised and that He loves you like He promised. Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Lift your head because you have a purpose in this life.