Precious in Life, Precious in Death - Martin Wiles

The Lord cares deeply when his loved ones die. Psalm 116:15 NLT

Death takes what is precious.

As time passes, so do my loved ones. Dad has passed, as have all my great grandparents and grandparents. Many cousins have also joined their number. Mom is getting older too. I try not to think of life without her. Only my two brothers and I will remain. No parents to check on. No one to meddle in our business. No one to step in and do special things for us when we need help. Parents just do those types of things, and when they’re gone, a void develops.

At present, I still have my mother- and father-in-law too. I can only imagine how my wife will react when they leave this earth. She’s already lost one brother, but their passing will change her and my life forever. Death does that.

And as I lose family members, I must come to grips with my own demise. Periodically, I find myself counting how many years I have left—if I make it to the average lifespan. Many fewer years are ahead of me than are behind me. I long to relive some of those years, but can’t. I wonder what will happen to my children and grandchildren. How long they will live. What they will do. Will they miss me and tell stories about me.

According to the psalmist, God cares deeply when His children die—but He doesn’t prevent their death. Death is a part of life. Perhaps if sin had never entered our lives, we would have lived forever. Not all theologians agree with that statement. Death happens, and no amount of caring for our bodies can prevent it.

I take comfort in knowing God controls the time and manner of my death. Of course, I can alter the plan with foolish decisions, but apart from that my death is in His hands. As God has comforted me when I’ve lost loved ones, so He’ll comfort my family who is left behind after my demise.

Although sin has marred our existence, our lives are still so precious to God that He wants us to spend eternity with Him in a better place—a new heaven and a new earth. For all who choose to follow Christ, that place is reserved.

Don’t fear death. God controls that piece of your existence just as He does your life.

Prayer: Father, our lives are in Your hands. Do with them as You desire.

Tweet: Is fear of dying paralyzing you?

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