http://healthyliving.msn.com/health-wellness/recession-linked-to-more-than-10000-suicides-in-north-america-europe-1

http://healthyliving.msn.com/health-wellness/recession-linked-to-more-than-10000-suicides-in-north-america-europe-1

In a shocking and deeply disturbing report, msnbc has recently published a report linking the economic slump in Europe and North America to a sharp jump in suicide rates. The report is based on data gathered by 24 E-U countries, the U.S. and Canada showing a decline in suicide rates by 2007 and a sharp increase when the recession took hold in 2008. From 2008 to present day it is estimated that as many as 10,000 suicides may be directly linked to the failing economy. The hopelessness of being in debt, losing a job or having a home repossessed has proven too stressful for many to bear. And while many of us can relate to the anxieties that come from such difficult times, the Holy Bible instructs us to look beyond our physical possessions and take hold of the spiritual wealth offered only by the Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ.

Matthew 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

The Lord instructs us not to fret concerning our food drink and clothing because he knows that we have need of all of these things. Although we may suffer through times of want and need, the Heavenly Father promises that if we obey his voice to do his commandment, we will never be left destitute.

Psalm 37:25I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

King David writes in the Psalms that the righteous will never be forsaken or forced to beg for bread. Therefore we should put our faith in the Most High God knowing that it is he who provides for us and our families.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Many people in this world make the error of allowing themselves to be consumed in an endless quest for material wealth. Oftentimes these same possessions can be taken away when financial hardships come. Through the wisdom of the Bible we come to understand that although we may not always maintain a lucrative lifestyle, we can still have true happiness and contentment in Christ
Philippians 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

1 Timothy 6:8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

The Apostle Paul teaches us that through Christ he learned to abound in riches and how to be content through times of want and need. We are also admonished not to fall into the foolish and hurtful lusts for money which creates a trap and a snare for those who worship it. Therefore, as servants of Christ, we are not to fall prey to the same demons of Death and Depression which drown the faithless in sorrow till they die. Instead we are to be examples of the teachings of Jesus Christ, letting our light shine in times of plenty and times of need.

For those battling with the spirits of depression, we urge you to seek solace in the words of the Holy Bible. Although you may suffer the loss of all things, in these words you will find a greater and more enduring richness.

Battling Depression Part 2: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thebocc/2013/05/03/repentance-is-the-key
Battling Depression Part 3: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thebocc/2013/05/17/repentance-is-the-key
Battling Depression Part 4: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thebocc/2013/05/24/repentance-is-the-key