“Even though I walk through the dark valley of death, because You are with me, I fear no harm.”
Psalm 23:4 (GW)
What if we really believed death was a beginning? I mean, it seems so final, so mysterious. Over and over God assures us this life is just a shadow of what is to come.
I have heard it said, “I want to go to heaven, I just don’t want to go today.” Will you be surprised to know I feel that way most of the time? I could sound very spiritual and say, God take me today, this minute. But, then you wouldn’t really get to know me, my heart.
Maybe God placed it in our hearts to be just enough at home here that we can make an impact on the generation He has called us to love, share life and feed. Will He be pleased that He left us here, now?
My dear Uncle Doyle went to live with Jesus this morning. His son reminded us all today that he is now experiencing the splendor he taught about for the last 50 years. I asked Uncle Doyle recently if he wanted me to read the Bible to him. “I love Psalm 91. Would you like me to read it to you? It’s my favorite” He said, “I love all the Psalms. Let me read Psalm 23 to you. It’s my favorite” He began and personalized each verse.
“He whose head is in heaven need not fear to put his feet into the grave”.
Matthew Henry
Lord, death scares us just a bit. We don’t understand it. Help us be comforted by David’s words from Psalm 23, because You are with us, we need not fear harm. We trust You with our days. Help us know that when we leave this world it really is just a beginning. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Beautifully put Carmen! Anticipating death reminds me of how I always feel when standing in line to get on the roller coaster – I’m scared and excited at the same time. This is a subject I love reading about and thank you for writing about it.
Thanks Phyllis. I think the mystery of it can be scary and just the thought of leaving those we love behind is sad. Most often it seems that God allows us to move into a place where we begin to welcome death when it’s time. I guess it makes the transition easier. He knows what lies before us but because of His sweet love for us, He also knows we need His help. Thanks for stopping by and visiting :)
Carmen, I have to admit on one of my most spiritual days… I don’t say, “come Lord Jesus come quickly.” I don’t think it has anything to do with fear….. but then again I may be hiding the truth from myself. Many times I have said, “Lord if you’re ready, I am.” but that was when I was tired and wanted to get out of some situation that living life had put me in… it had nothing to do with being ready to meet Jesus…. I love Jesus with all my heart , my mind and my soul…… I believe I am ready…..in that sense…..He gave me a purpose for living and it hasn’t been fulfilled on my end. Thank you Carmen for allowing us to have freedom of thoughts on your site…..
and I do believe that when we cross over…. that it is not the end…. it is the finishor the extentions of a new life begun in Christ… an eternal life that was started when we accepted Christ as our Savior… there is a verse in 2 cor 5: 16-Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. 17Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. and I realize this verse is talking about our new life as a Christian….. but it is only our flesh that has passed away.
Yes, at death the rest of our lives start!
Thank you Judy for your thoughts. I sometimes think we can feel very unchristian when enjoy our lives here. We do have a purpose and being content where we are at is important.