A few days ago, a friend texted me: "I don't want to go on anymore." It wasn't drama or exaggeration. It was the echo of an internal battle she fights every day. Like her, many people in our churches and communities carry a pain that is invisible but weighs tons. And in that darkness, a question arises that we don't always dare to voice: Has God left? Does He care? Why doesn't He answer?
We're not talking about a bad day or a rough patch. We're talking about that sense of emptiness that settles into the soul and won't leave. A tiredness that isn't physical but existential. A loneliness that persists even when you're surrounded by people. And yes, also a faith that sometimes feels like a faint whisper.
God's Silence and the Soul's Cry
The Bible is no stranger to this pain. The psalmist cries out:
"How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?" (Psalm 13:1, NIV).These words are not from someone who has lost faith, but from someone who holds onto it in the midst of the storm. God is not offended by our questions. In fact, He invites them. Jesus Himself, on the cross, cried out:
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46, NIV).If the Son of God expressed that abandonment, how can we not do the same?
The problem isn't asking. The problem is believing we have no right to. Often, in Christian circles, we feel we must show a strength we don't feel. But faith is not denying pain; it's bringing it before God with honesty.
It's Not Lack of Faith, It's Too Much Pain
When someone says "I don't want to live anymore," they are not rejecting God. They are expressing suffering that has exceeded their ability to bear it. Psychologist Carlos Valencia, a specialist in suicidology, explains that most people who contemplate suicide don't want to die; they want the pain to end. That distinction is crucial for pastoral care.
The church has an immense opportunity to be a safe space where this can be discussed without judgment. Where we don't respond with clichés like "just pray more" or "God has a purpose." Sometimes, what a person needs most is for someone to sit beside them and say: "I'm here. You're not alone."
Signs We Shouldn't Ignore
It's not always easy to identify when someone is on the edge. But there are signs that can alert us:
- Drastic changes in mood or behavior.
- Expressions of hopelessness, like "nothing matters anymore."
- Social withdrawal, stopping activities they used to enjoy.
- Giving away prized possessions or saying goodbye in unusual ways.
- Talking about death or suicide, even indirectly.
This isn't about being alarmed, but about being attentive. As a faith community, we can be the first to notice these signs and reach out a hand. The apostle Paul reminds us:
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2, NIV).
The Church's Role: Be Present, Not Preachy
In the face of deep pain, words are insufficient. What truly makes a difference is presence. Jesus didn't come to give explanations about suffering; He came to suffer with us. That is the model we should follow. Accompanying someone in crisis doesn't mean having all the answers, but being willing to walk alongside them in the darkness.
It's also important to refer to mental health professionals. Faith and psychology are not at odds. God can use therapists, psychiatrists, and crisis lines as instruments of healing. Let's not minimize the value of professional help.
Practical Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. You are not alone.
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