Scared to Death

by | Jan 26, 2012 | Uncategorized | 4 comments

Death is so very strange.  It happens to everyone.  We even know it will happen to us.  Some of us are scared of it.  Others seem shocked when it does happen.  And then there are those that laugh, live and are completely at peace with the reality of their impending death.

I’ve been in the scared and shocked categories all of my life – until recently.  Death was something I tried not to think about.  The thought of the grim reaper had a grip on me that left me trembling and my palms sweaty.  I was shocked and devastated every time I thought of someone I loved dying.  I’d almost faint when I thought about myself dying….and don’t get me started on the ways to die!   Talk about scared to death!!!

Then around two years ago I started reading the bible on a daily basis.  This small effort has made a TREMENDOUS difference in my life.  In fact, I would say that it has changed AND saved my life.

Learning about God through His Word has drawn me closer to Him and I realized my fear of death was stemmed from a deep-rooted knowledge that I wasn’t actually doing what I was supposed to be doing on earth.   I began to understand that the panic I felt every time I dwelt on the issue of death was God’s way of nudging me to get to know Him and start living my life FOR Him.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God, trust in me (Jesus) also.  In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I am going there to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”  John 14:1-3

Of course, death still brings grief and pain.  However, I’ve learned that I cannot avoid pain or death in this fallen world that we live.  I can choose to follow a path that leads to a greater destination and I can also allow God to work His miracles in my life to mold me into the human that He longs for me to be.

I try to keep in mind what Jesus tells us in Luke 17:33 – “Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.”  When we fully hand our life over to God and submit to His will and not our own, then we will find peace knowing that death has no hold on us because Jesus has already paved the way!

As some of you know, I lost my dad over a year ago and I can promise you that I truly had a peace that can only come from God and it was completely beyond any human understanding!!   The pain is real.  The grief is real.

And most importantly…the HOPE is real!!!

Heaven is my true home.  Earth is just a temporary stop to use the gifts God has blessed me with for His glory and to enjoy the beauty of creation that God made for us.  LIFE IS A GIFT!  I should treat it as such.  Yes, I will make mistakes as I travel on this journey, but I am reconciled to God by Jesus Christ, who conquered death!  What a happy day!!!

Are you making the best of this ‘temporary stop’ on earth?  What are your thoughts on death?  Will you be ready when the time comes?

Some Wisdom for Today:  Proverbs 22:2 – Rich and poor have this in common:  The Lord is the Maker of them all.

4 Comments

  1. Kelly Lasher

    We all know we are going to lose someone someday, and u r right there are concerns…but, I just want to say that I agree about the overwhelming peace that only God can give. It has been a little over a year since we lost our dad as well, to know that he is with Jesus and we will be there someday is exciting!

    Thanks for sharing Meg! 🙂

    Reply
    • meghays

      YES! The peace is such a gift from God! We will all celebrate and worship together!!!

      Reply
  2. Heather

    Love the post! It’s funny how until you have experienced the death of a close loved one, you never really understand. Even though I lost both my in-laws whom I loved very much, the death of my father affected me far different. One of the sweetest memories I have is even up to the end, my dad was laughing and making others laugh. It was in that laughter that I saw hope and healing for both dad and my family. I know he is up there right now laughing with Jesus and that brings me great comfort, peace and hope!!

    Love ya Meg!! 🙂

    Reply
    • meghays

      Seems strange to say that Dad cracked me up all the way to the end!!! He DID make it easier for all of us because of his humor and strength! I am blessed to have the best family ever! You are so dear, Heather!! I love you and am always amazed by your knowledge, creativity and love!!!!

      Reply

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