A Message to the Dying

Scripture:  Psalms 34:18 - The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

As a former hospice nurse, I have, of course, had many encounters with those who have been given a terminal diagnosis.  I found that communicating with the family about death came with no real effort.  I have lost many who were dear to me, so I can speak from my grief experiences.  So the real challenge comes when I am asked to speak to the very one given the dreaded prognosis.  The dying are precious, in that, many times I believe I can almost see their softness and vulnerability.  Their thoughts and emotions are shifted with an awareness of how death is such an interruption to life.  Those faced with dying soon would agree to how life is like a roller coaster; it is fast, has many turns, bends, ups and downs.  And then you are quickly  abruptly brought to thoughts of the end of this life.  And the thought of life ending brings fear and uncertainty.  Questions come, such as, is there life after death?  What will it be like?  Will I be aware of myself or even considered?  Thoughts of the other side can not be discussed from experience.  We have to embrace the Word of God.  First, we would have to go to our need for a Savior, (the only) one who can cleanse us from our sins. We must accept (God’s provision) Jesus the Christ  as Savior Lord.  For He, alone, can and will (upon our acceptance of God’s love) present us faultless before the all-wise Holy God, our Father.   And once this decision is secured, we can trust God that on that day (of our last breath) He will take us from this life through the door which leads to eternity.  Paul greatly encourages us (in 2 Cor 5:8) that to be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord.  And John 14 further encourages us  (we who accept Christ as Savior never have to fear but we can trust God) that we will be going to our prepared place where Jesus will reside with us.  For Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and no one will get to that place (with the Father) if they do not come through Him (also I Thess 4:14).  What a blessing!!  What a promise!!  What a provision!!  And this gift and assurance are given to those who are aware of the unworthiness to have such a glorious end.  We can declare God’s truth and promise; for God does not lie (Num 23:19, Titus 1:2).  And oh, the risk one takes:  not believing and embracing God’s provision (Heb 2:3).

Prayer:  Thank You Lord for all of your precious promises.  Promises of security and everlasting love.  For You are our escape, our Savior from the terror that this world offers; and again, we say, thank You!!  Lord, bless us to comfort others especially those who have been given a “death sentence” on this side.  Help us to share with them true life and joy.  It’s in Jesus’ Name I pray-Amen!

(by Lisa Williams)