What happens when we die?
This is a question we’d rather not ask, but is so central to our experience and our destiny that we can’t help but ask it. No one should be surprised that most people have at least some fear about death, because we naturally fear the unknown. It is a door that we look at our whole lives, yet is closed to us our whole lives, until in that one final instant when we cross the threshold. In Psalm 23, the most-often read portion of the Bible at funerals, David wrote, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid.” Why? Because God is the Shepherd who cares. As David wrote, “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
I visited Shirley in the hospice where she spent her final days. She was, toward the end, just lingering. She had barely enough strength to raise her head. She forced words up and out of her throat, but they were brilliant, words that I’ve heard from many other people approaching the threshold: I’m ready; I’m at peace; I know this is okay. It was very much as if Shirley was standing in one place with a shadow gradually coming over her, but she herself did not become darkness because her faith-connection with God would not allow it. That is the key, passing through the valley, and even under the shadow, but knowing that God is right there—even having a stronger sense of him than when we are strong and virile.
[to be continued…]
I’m not afraid to die because Jesus Conquered it for me. I have a poem that says Death is simply blowing out a candle because Morning Has Come. 😉
Thank you I found this article very comforting.
Looking forward to the next instalment ☺·°•˚
I can’t say I’m 100% okay with the process of dying, but I do believe 100% that I’m going to Heaven to be with the Lord forever because of my relationship with Jesus. That brings such a measure of peace that the fear is gone!! Hallelujah and thank you Jesus.
Hi Mel…
Your question (re: death)is –for us– no longer “if” but when. No longer can we enjoy running,tennis, biking, etc.. But there’s a substute: Dr visits, blood draws, etc. We each have conditions that will lead to our earthly deaths [Lynn- leukemia, Dave Parkinsons Disease]. God,in His Grace, has given us His absolute promise of a better life to come… how neat is that? As with any trip, there may be some bumps, but His promise is certain! We each look forward with that assurance and confidence…its not only “in the bank” but our faith gives us huge comfort. So what’s to be feared? Nothing… nada… nil… zilch. Incidently, your teaching Has been a significant factor in our faith— Thanks hugely!
blessings to you— we enjoy your musings ! Dave Klann
Dave – You and Lynn are the best of the best! You have always brought cheer to my soul. Sorry we don’t get to chat much anymore.
Thanks for your profound thoughts on this.
I tell the children at church, death is not an ending, but the arrival at a destination we have finally reached after being on a long journey. I ask them, “How do we get from place to place?” Once the word ‘car’ is mentioned, I stop them. I ask, “How does the car get us there?” We then go through the steps of getting into the vehicle, shutting the door – strapping ourselves into the seat – checking the mirrors, adjusting if needed – placing the key in ignition – checking to see if we have enough gas – moving the gear to ‘D’ – using the pedals to start and stop. We always add more fuel if needed. Once there, we place the car in ‘P’, remove the seat-belt and open the door…we then “step out” of our vehicle. We then stand-up in our environment. I then show the parallels from the car/car’s needs and us/our needs to make sure we arrive where we want to be. They usually say, “Oh…”