It’s Throw Back Thursday so I’m sharing this post from nine years ago. We had become regular visitors at funerals and I’m sure there are more to come. Another friend laid to his final rest – a time of sadness – a release from the desperation of fighting for life. But for the Christian, a time of great joy. When death comes (and it will to every one of us) the constant truth of God’s protection and love will continue to remain.
As my life seems to revolve around saying goodbye to old friends lately, I can’t help but wonder when my day will come. Am I ready? Will my existence have had any merit in the scheme of things? We all face this difficult time in life – when we must look at that possibility. Death is as sure as taxes. We will all face it at some point.
For those of us who know that this world is just our temporary dwelling, death doesn’t hold the same sting that it does for others. When we place all our apples in this life, we soon discover that those apples are doomed to the rottenness and finality of decay. For those who know that life doesn’t end when death arrives, the outlook of joy in the future is assured.
Still there is a fearfulness connected with death. What will become of those we leave behind? Will they have the strength to go on living without us? Even though we’re guaranteed a place in heaven, we may still wonder. There may be even the slightest hint of doubt. We are basing all of this on faith in something that we have no experience with. We’ve never seen the other side of eternity, yet we have been assured that it exists in the Word of God Himself.
God’s comfort comes to us as He describes heaven in Revelation. It is a place where death doesn’t exist. There will be no tears, no pain, no loss. Everything we need will be provided by the Creator of the Universe. It’s so much more than a promise. It’s true. It’s the best life insurance ever and it doesn’t cost us a thing.
This is why the Christian can rejoice in the face of death. This is God’s perfect plan for His people. I pray that the rest of my days here on earth will be spent in the hope for a future in heaven. There are days when I can’t wait.
THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!
I just read your post, and it spoke to me. The Word of God says, “O death, where is thy sting?” and I’m still grappling with that verse. We know how losing a loved one pierces the heart. My prayer is always that God will not have me grieve too long. As Christians, we can dwell in Psalm 23: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” It is also comforting to know that in heaven there will be no more tears, pain, or loss, and we will get to see our loved ones who went on before us. Thank you for sharing this. My thoughts are with you and all who have lost someone dear.
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I am glad you were touched by this post. I’m certain everyone fears death to a certain extent. it’s the last hurrah. The final act, the amazing swan song. Definitely not for those left behind though, God has given us something to look forward to which takes us out of this veil of tears. A place where love abounds and pain is unknown. I’ve been grieving silently for almost two years. My husband was my soul mate and best friend. I miss him. I cry occasionally. I know he’s in a better place. I long to be with him again and know that I will be. I’m reminded of him every day through his art. Thank you for your touching comment.
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