FEAR OF DEATH
That same day the Lord said to Moses, “Go to Moab, to the mountains east of the river and climb Mount Nebo, which is across from Jericho. Look out across the land of Canaan, the land I am giving to the people of Israel as their own special possession.”
Deuteronomy 32:48-49 (NLT)
Death is a subject few people talk about, but the one reality we all face. I think of the holidays and how they’re often the most difficult. One less stocking by the chimney. A missing chair at the table. The reality of death has hit all of us in one way or another. We grieve because of the loss, but we hope because we know those we’ve lost are filled with immeasurable joy at the feet of Jesus and that we will one day be reunited. As John Piper puts it, Death is still our enemy. But it is defanged. The viper’s poison has been drained away. The deadly sting is gone. The sting of death was sin. And the damning power of sin was in the demand of the law. But thanks be to Christ who satisfied the law’s demand. “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55). We don’t have to be afraid of death because we know that those who are in Jesus are experiencing His resurrection. Closing our eyes in death means being awakened to the glory and splendor of our forever home.
My wife and I have moved three times. Each time was difficult because of the unknown. Where would our new home be? What would it be like? Moving felt dreadful because, at the time, all I could see was the loss. Heaven is a little like this. We love our family, friends, community and church, and the thought of leaving can be overwhelming. However, once you arrive at your future home, heaven, you’ll never long for your old life. You’ll be thankful for it, but you’ll be in the fullness of joy and life, and heaven is a place where there is no more tears or suffering. You can trust God with everything, even your death. So, live each day completely trusting God and let His peace and goodness wash over you!
APPLICATION: Today, rest in the truth that God is holding your future in His hands. Always.
PRAYER: Dear God, please help me number my days correctly. Help me not fear death so I can be fully alive while I’m on this earth. Holy Spirit, I ask You to replace fear with boldness and help me trust in You. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?