The Sting of Death Cushioned with Hope
Death is not something that comes easily for us. How can we face death, ours or that of a loved one, with hope?
“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12 ESV
No Escape
My husband and I arrived early for his doctor’s appointment. We were there to discuss the results of a series of blood tests after an abnormality appeared. We didn’t see his doctor’s car, and I remember my husband, ever the optimist, saying “well the news can’t be that bad since they didn’t bring in the big guns.” Just as he said this, out of the corner of my eye, I saw his car enter the parking lot.
My “flight” instinct told me to run and hide. But there was no place to go. I couldn’t hide from this moment. The word “leukemia” left the doctor’s lips and seemed to float in the air. It packed a punch like nothing I’ve ever felt. In an instant I felt my world come crashing down. Like a little child, I wanted to plug my ears – a defense mechanism to guard my heart. But it was too late- the damage was done. The moment and news we dreaded had come and there was no escaping it.
A New Longing
My pastor recently made a statement in church that surprised me. He claimed his primary role as a pastor is to prepare people for death. He said it’s his desire to help the people under his shepherding care exchange the fear of looking death in the face with an intense longing to see the face of Jesus Christ.
The sting of death is inevitable in this life. Grief is inescapable. But as believers our grief is coupled with hope. Hope is the element that softens death’s sting if you know and love Jesus Christ. And hope is not only necessary for the dying, but also needed for those who are left behind.
The Greatest Gift
I once heard someone say the greatest gift we can give our loved ones is the assurance of our salvation. And it’s true. The only comfort death brings is the promise of eternity for those who know and love Jesus Christ.
Friend, where do you stand today?
You may have had some terrible experiences with those who proclaim faith in Jesus Christ. You may misunderstand the love of Christ because the message of His judgment was proclaimed louder. You may have mocked the very idea of Him. You may believe your sins outweigh His grace, or that you’re a righteous person who doesn’t need a Savior. Whatever you’re feeling today, I beg you not to leave this world behind without careful consideration of the man and the message of Jesus Christ.
Death’s Door
When the day comes that you draw your final breath it will not matter what anyone believes except for you. Neither the naysayers who convinced you to doubt, nor the loved one who begged you to believe, will usher you into eternity. No one can walk through death’s door with you. This journey is yours alone.
My friend, there is no need for you to face death with uncertainty or fear. Salvation is found by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8). Your role in this process is simply to accept a personal invitation from the One who created you to spend eternity with Him.
Eternal Healing
At God’s discretion our bodies may be healed. But the invitation to heal the mortal wound of our souls is readily available for every one of us. That healing is eternal, not temporal.
Death’s shadow constantly looms. Life will disappoint. Grief will feel unbearable at times. Unexpected news will drain our eyes and our energy. The dreams we had for our future didn’t include a cancer diagnosis at the age of 49. Fortunately, we now know it’s a type of cancer he can “live” with for a long time. As horrible as it is, this diagnosis has helped us to realize the brevity of life and rely on the deep love of Christ for daily satisfaction.
There are no guarantees about life on this side of heaven. But today we choose to fix our eyes on the promise of a great exchange that is guaranteed. We long for the day when we trade our broken bodies and broken hearts for eternal joy. And when the tears we’ve cried will be wiped away by the nail-scarred hands that rescued us.
Our Savior’s Arms
My husband and I both know when the good Lord takes us home the one who is left behind will grieve, but that grief will be cushioned with this blessed hope. The arms of our Savior will welcome one of us, and tenderly comfort the other. This is the truth we cling to with every tear and every trial this life brings us. I pray you will also know this peace that surpasses all understanding, and the hope that never disappoints.
In His Word
Psalm 90:14 – Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love. ESV
This verse follows the original verse I mentioned in this article. (Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. V.12). I love the exchange that takes place as we understand the brevity of our life (this side of heaven) we gain wisdom. And part of that wisdom is learned to be satisfied solely by the love of Christ. Our peace does not come from knowing this life will go well. Our peace comes from knowing we are dearly loved by the One who created us, and this life is brief but eternity is never-ending.
Psalm 91:15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be him in trouble. ESV
The very next Psalm is a beautiful picture of God’s presence with us. We have a God who promises His presence with us. Sometimes that presence includes physical protection. Other times it is simply an assurance that God is with us in our troubles. We know that with anything this life brings, God has already gone before us, prepared a way for us and will never abandon us. I meditate on this entire Psalm often. It helps keep me from fear of the many unknowns. I don’t know what tomorrow brings, but I do know I won’t face it alone.
In Your Life
Have you given your friends and family the “gift” of knowing your salvation is secure? If not, what is preventing you from knowing and loving Jesus Christ?
Are you able to trust God with whatever news this day may bring? How do you cultivate a habit of trusting that His presence will be all you need in times of trouble?
We Recommended
The book We Shall All Be Changed by Whitney K. Pipkin is a story about Whitney’s personal journey walking through her mother’s cancer diagnosis that eventually led to her death. It’s an encouraging book about our gracious God and His faithful love to those who are caring for the dying, while also burdened with their own sorrow. It offers hope and encouragement, and reminds us of the truth that God will tenderly and faithfully minister to us in our greatest pain.
I bought the book, When God and Cancer Meet by Lynn Eib, 20 years ago when my dad was diagnosed with cancer and have given it to several other people over the years. Cancer’s a tough diagnosis for the patients and their loved ones. I appreciate her story about her own cancer diagnosis and that of many other patients she has worked with. The stories of God’s intervention and healing are encouraging. But just as inspiring are the stories she shares where God chooses to heal in heaven, but comforts, strengthens and loves His weeping children.
Let’s Connect
Brenda is the Director of Women’s Ministry at her church in Casper, Wyoming. She has a passion for helping women navigate the seasons of life that are both bitter and sweet by knowing the truth found in God’s Word and clinging to Jesus Christ. If you’d like to read more from Brenda, you can find her at Women of the Way, on Instagram, or on Facebook.