OVERDOSE CRISIS AND LOSING HOPE
The province of British Columbia where I live is being watched as a model for suppression of the spread of the COVID-19 virus. At the same time our other health crisis, the opioid overdose crisis seems to be going the other way. For the second straight month a new record has been set for overdose deaths. 175 is the latest monthly tally. Since 2016 when the overdose crisis was announced 5,731 people have died. Compare those numbers to the COVID-19 numbers in our province: Total cases: 3170 Total deaths: 189 Of those who have died 80% are young men 19-49. Two thirds of them died at home alone.
Because of being involved with folks struggling with addictions for years and knowing far too many of those who have died personally, these kinds of numbers really touch my heart and I find them quite challenging.
Also, of note to me in the news article I read making these announcements was this observation from a person involved at the BC Centre on Substance Use:
“It’s hard seeing so many people die. I’m heartbroken, I’m devastated.
My friends are giving up. I try to put on a brave face. I almost see the
hope fading from people. That’s the hardest part to witness. It’s like,
does anyone care? Honestly.”
Fortunately, we know that God cares and God has raised up people to care, including us. The Bible reminds us:
Micah 7:7-8
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior;
my God will hear me. Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have
fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.
So, even though these days are difficult for those who’ve lost loved ones to both COVID-19 virus death and overdose death, let’s pray that they will find the help of God and allow hope to grow in their hearts.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come
that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
Loving God, our hearts are broken for these lives taken too early, for the work of the evil one having such devastating effects on their young lives. We’re so grateful that we all have a clear choice – between Your love that gives us life and the work of the evil one that only steals, kills, and destroys. Help us to share this message clearly and well and may it go far and wide and touch the hearts of many who suffer.
With the words in Scripture we say:
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our
troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort
we ourselves receive from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
We pray for the loved ones of those who have died that You would come close and comfort them today. Show them a way forward. Hold onto their hearts as they grieve. Help them to see things as You see things and to advocate for changes that really bring about change.
We pray for all the frontline workers in the area of addictions and homelessness – issues that are often closely intertwined. We pray that you will encourage them in their efforts to reach out and support those who struggle. Give them strength and grace to meet the challenges of today and give them back 100% for all they give out in care and support.
Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it,
there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 24:14
We pray today for those who struggle with addictions that they will turn their hearts and minds to you and whatever course of treatment they choose, that they will find hope and seek to get well.
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3
We pray for the inner pain many carry that is so often covered up with anger and fear and never quite looked at. We pray that people will find a way to look below the surface things layered on and allow You to identify the root issues that the evil one is using to keep them trapped in their discontent, anger, and addiction.
And so today we pray:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Roman 15:13
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