Fear of Death

“Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, Jesus himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death.”
​Hebrews 2:14-15

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When I think about death two different reactions can occur. One reaction is excitement at the thought of meeting Jesus and being with Him forever. The second is a twinge of fear, uncertainty and doubt. Unfortunately, the latter generally rears its head more than the former.
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There are times I fear the manner in which I could die. I have a very active imagination so it is not hard for me to imagine the worst in any given situation. It takes effort once a potential scene has played out in my head to then turn to God in surrender and trust. “Your will be done.  May You be glorified".
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Most of us enjoy a sense of control, though in reality we have control over very little in our lifetime, as well as at the conclusion of it. Maybe this is why suicide and assisted suicide are so appealing to some people. The thought of having control over the timing and manner in which one dies somewhat satisfies that particular fear of something being outside of one’s control. I cannot imagine what it would be like to reach the point of desiring to take the life God has given me into my own hands to end it, and I hope that I never reach it. The thought of death brings with it an uncertainty with regard to time, place and what it will ultimately be like. Even going about the suicide route, we still truly do not know for sure what it will be like, and that can be unnerving.
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Finally, there is doubt. Once in a while I wonder if what I have been taught about death, God, heaven, hell, purgatory, etc. are really true. What if I am living an illusion? It is then that I have something to fear, because the alternative is a life without purpose and hope.
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At this point it is vital to call to mind, not only what I have been taught, but also what I have seen and experienced to be true, as well as what God has revealed to others (the saints, people present in my life, etc). In my daily life God has proven that He is not dead. He provides me with strength, peace, guidance, and wisdom. He has proven His presence and existence with miracles both big and small, such as saving my life on a number of occasions. He has spoken directly to my heart and through the Scriptures. He has provided words of wisdom and advice when I needed them the most, and in any “impossible” situation He has proven the words, “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). I would be a fool after all I have witnessed in my own seemingly insignificant life to turn my back on what I have seen and know, to say, “There is no God.”
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His own name is Emmanuel, “God with us.” He is truly with us. He promised that He will be with us ALWAYS (Matthew 28:20), and He does not lie. When I remember these things and all that He has proven of His love and presence throughout history, and I allow these things to overtake my heart and mind, it is then I am filled with peace and joy at the thought of being with God, the one who formed me and loves me more than I could ever comprehend. I still do not know how or when the day of my death will arrive, but I hope that when that time comes, I will remember that He is with me. If He is with me, I have nothing to fear, even death. ​
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Dynae Stamp