Some people are scared to death of death.
Is that you? Perhaps it describes you perfectly. As a result, you are living in fear.
Perhaps it’s not you. Perhaps you’re not scared to death of it, but are still really worried.
Either way, it can be helpful to ask ourselves why.
Why am I scared to death of death? Is it because I am afraid of what does (or doesn’t) come next? If so, remember that you are a child of the eternal God. There is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ’ (Romans 8:1). And, as we are told in a verse that is perhaps the most famous all over the world: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
If you’re not scared to death of death, but are still really worried, why? Is it because you are concerned about the well-being of loved ones after you are gone? If so, don’t forget that God has created your loved ones “fearfully and wonderfully” when they were being formed in their mother’s wombs (Psalm 139:13-14). He is a God who provides.
Or are you worried about the pain that sometimes leads up to death? If so, I appreciate that. That can be very difficult. However, the Lord has promised to always be with his people (Matthew 28:20). One of Jesus’ names is “Immanuel,” which literally means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). Further, he has put people into our lives to journey with us and to provide help and hope.
Don’t be scared to death of death. As I often say at funerals and memorial services, in Christ death is not just the closing of a door, but the opening of one. And that door opens to a peace, joy and love which flourish forever.
Instead of being scared to death of death, let’s be bold and blessed for life.
Notes:
-“Being radical for Jesus.” New podcast episode and blog. Click here, or find it at ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.)
-Bible quotes are from the ESV.
Leave a Reply