I also love this response by Frank, who used to beat himself up over his brother’s suicide, and how he has come to understand a few lines of scripture to save him from “stinking thinking” (as we like to say in support groups):
My favorite scripture, when I sense that I may be hanging on by a thread, comes from Isaiah 26:3. It says, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”
For me, and for anyone who feels a desperate need at times to have peace of mind, that scripture resonates to the very center or my being.
When my brother took his life, I found my mind in turmoil. The compelling question, “Could I have done something more?” plagued me. I was haunted by that question. It was a truth that God was embracing me and helping me through that tough time, but I was resistant to His full and loving care. My mind was far from steadfast. I would pray for peace of mind and then promptly begin my ‘worry mode’ once again.
Finally, the Holy Spirit said, “Listen, Frank, you need to quit sending out mixed signals. Either trust God completely or don’t trust Him at all.” My struggle with Marty’s suicide made me doubt God, albeit briefly. I couldn’t understand why… (all the various why questions).
So, with a combination of Isaiah 26:3 and Proverbs 3:5-6 I came to a new understanding of trust and faith and belief. I think I’ve quoted Proverbs 3:5-6 to you before, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.”