Devotions from Judy’s heart

One day we will all die. Of all people, believers should face death with hope and courage. Gone will be the days that we thought we were in control, or that we would always be remembered along with our valued achievements. But when we know the Lord, we have the hope of the resurrection and know there is more that will go on for all eternity. We need not fear of talking about death as the world does, for we have so much to anticipate.

Death is something Al talks about frequently, not in a morbid way, but that we should be preparing for a good death when we will be with the Lord. If we confront our mortality, it can help us live in the present moment as we look ahead to the future. Jesus died our death for every sin we have committed, and gives us forgiveness if we put our trust in Him. Paul went through many troubles including prison, but he exhorts us to “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal.” (II Cor. 4:18)

Some of us have had a doctor tell us that we may have cancer, and it brings us to the place of facing our mortality. But once we face death, we can respond with empathy to others who have gotten such a diagnosis. I remember when we visited a Benedictine monastery that we were made aware that St. Benedict told the monks to have the expectation of death daily before their eyes. When we spend some time thinking of our own death, it may bring change to how we invest our time each day: how we can serve and help others, and take each day as a wondrous gift. Let us not fear death, but receive God’s love and live in hope.

Challenge for today Spend some time asking what changes you need to make in your life as you view your death in the future.

Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy