Finding Joy When Face to Face With Death

“The promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”  (Ephesians 1:14 NIV)

If you’ve had a parent, child, sibling or close friend die I would guess you’ve stopped and wondered, “What really comes after this life?  Is Heaven real?  Am I going there?  Is my loved one there?”

All very real and normal questions.   And nothing wrong with that.

But it can leave us distressed and restless until we get some grip on it.

As I’ve heard said, “Until we are ready to die we are not really ready to live.”  I think there’s a lot of truth to that.

But how?

For me it comes down to my focus.  And this passage gives some promises to focus on.

First, the Holy Spirit, who lives in us, is given to us as a down payment on our eternal life.  What’s so unusual, though, is the one we receive the gift from also paid our deposit.

Second, that deposit guarantees the purchase will be held for us.  It’s a contract.  A done deal.

Third, we are set free now and for eternity.  Redeemed simply means set free from the worry and possibility of missing Heaven.

Fourth, Jesus paid for all this once and for all.  So there’s nothing I can do to make it more secure or unwind the deal.

That’s it.  Four focuses that can help change our mindset from fear and despondency to quiet peace and joy when face to face with death.  Joy that there truly is a better place and I will meet my loved ones there.  And no one and nothing can keep us from it.

Now that’s something to sing about!

What brings you joy when face to face with death?