In the Valley of Shadows
We don’t like to think about death, but the Bible says believers have nothing to fear—we have a Shepherd, Jesus, who will walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death when the time comes.
The death of a loved one can sneak up on you and surprise you unaware. Other times, you may know it’s coming and have time to prepare for it. Either way, the result is the same...the outcome is final. That person you love is now missing from your life. Jesus assured us in John 11:25-26 of eternal life in heaven for all those who belong to Him. Those comforting words give us hope for the future...but in the short term, grief can feel overwhelming.
It’s possible you may even be reeling from the after-effects of someone who chose to take his or her own life. If so, you may be dealing with anger toward the one you miss so much—as well as struggling with many lingering, unanswered questions.
You can be assured that Jesus Christ will never leave you. He sees every tear and hears every desperate cry, and His love and comfort are everlasting.
We don’t like to think about death, but the Bible says believers have nothing to fear—we have a Shepherd, Jesus, who will walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death when the time comes.
Everything you have is on loan. You can’t take any of it with you when you die. What matters most is what you pass on. When you make your life a gift to others, you’re investing in eternity. And that’s a great way to live.
Pastor Chuck Swindoll approaches the vital matter of death with wisdom from 2 Corinthians 4:14–18 and 5:1–8. While the end of life is certain, your eternal destination can be certain too!
Eternity isn’t something we like to think about, but each of us will certainly enter it one day. The question is...where will we spend it?
Have you ever had an experience when circumstances were completely out of your control and there was nothing you could do…except trust God? When that happens it's a good reminder that God is the potter and we are the clay.
Last words are often great words. They clarify, solidify, prioritize, and summarize. That’s why they’re meaningful.
Death and sudden disaster are realities we must face. We can’t escape them, no matter how strong or clever we are. What’s needed in these situations is to apply quiet wisdom and acknowledge God’s sovereignty over our lives.
Ecclesiastes 7:1 says the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth. If you’re a believer you view death as the ultimate deliverance from the pain and struggles of this world.
If you knew it was your last week, how would you spend your time? This week, this day, could be your last. How are you investing your time?
Scripture details Christ’s agony in the Garden of Gethsemane and how His sweat was like great drops of blood. He willingly entered into the suffering so we could be reconciled to God.