Today’s Verse

Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (ESV)

When I found out that fear would be my topic for this week’s devotions, I started brainstorming some general directions to go. Fear is one of the most common human emotions. The Bible reinforces this with many invitations not to live in fear. But it didn’t occur to me until I started writing that it might be good to include some perspective on one fear that is shared by most every human being: the fear of death.

When I speak at funerals, I often look to the words of Revelation 21 as a way to offer hope. John, in an attempt to describe Heaven, found words to be inadequate. After attempting to describe what was in Heaven, he instead described what wasn’t. Revelation 21:4 says, “There will be no more death, or sorrow, or crying, or pain.” Imagine being able to live with the dread of death gone! But is it possible not to dread death now? The Bible seems to make a case that we need not live in fear of death. The writer of Hebrews, referencing the death of Jesus, said, “Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.” Two key truths. First, The fear of death can enslave us, but we can be free of that fear because of the resurrection of Jesus. Next, Jesus’ resurrection means we can believe and trust Jesus. His resurrection backs up everything He said and everything He did.   

When a believer in Jesus dies, they are not leaving home, they’re headed home. To be in the full presence of God is to be in the full presence of love. And the ultimate antidote to fear is love. Fear cannot come close to entering the presence of God!

REFLECTION

Father, I give you my fears for today and my worries about tomorrow. I trust that just as you raised Jesus from the dead, you’ll do the same for me!