Ep. 212: Recognizing and Responding to Hopelessness

<p class="p1">SHOW NOTES:</p> <p class="p2"> </p> <p class="p3">In Podcast Episode 212, “Recognizing and Responding to Hopelessness,” Kim discusses the suicides of Ahithophel and Judas. Both men felt as though they had nothing left to live for. Sadly, many in our day and time feel the same. Kim will discuss some risk factors, as well as some of the warning signs of suicide, and provide encouragement in confronting the problem.</p> <p class="p4"> </p> <p class="p3">Our focal passage for this episode is<a href='https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Samuel%2017&version=NLT'> 2 Samuel 17</a> with the focal verses of 1-4, 14, and 23.</p> <p class="p4"> </p> <p class="p3">1 Now Ahithophel urged Absalom, “Let me choose 12,000 men to start out after David tonight. 2 I will catch up with him while he is weary and discouraged. He and his troops will panic, and everyone will run away. Then I will kill only the king, 3 and I will bring all the people back to you as a bride returns to her husband. After all, it is only one man’s life that you seek. Then you will be at peace with all the people.” 4 This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.</p> <p class="p4"> </p> <p class="p3">14 Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “Hushai’s advice is better than Ahithophel’s.” For the Lord had determined to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel, which really was the better plan, so that he could bring disaster on Absalom!</p> <p class="p4"> </p> <p class="p3">23 When Ahithophel realized that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey, went to his hometown, set his affairs in order, and hanged himself. He died there and was buried in the family tomb.</p> <p class="p5"><a href='https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/'></a></p> <p class="p6">WEEKLY ASSIGNMENT FEATURE:</p> <p class="p7"> </p> <p class="p3">Educate yourself on the risk factors and warning signs of suicide, as well as the steps for helping.</p> <p class="p4"> </p> <p class="p3">Additional Resources and Scri