The Fear of Dying

Sadly, a distant relation of my wife died last month. We were told it was difficult for him in the last days because he was afraid of going to sleep in case he didn't wake up.

I can understand and identify with this. Several years ago, when I was recovering from an operation, I was overcome with anxiety and had extreme difficulty getting off to sleep. I was afraid I might die or more exactly I was afraid of the feelings involved in dying. The thought of being all alone, totally abandoned, filled me with utter dread. I know that when eventually my time comes, I will be with Jesus for ever, but deep down I feared the process. I was hanging onto control by my finger nails. Father knew what was in my heart of course and slowly over the months, as I looked to Him as never before, as I felt the feelings with Him, He melted this fear away with His love.

Seemingly the Christian walk is full of paradoxes. We have a God-given desire to live life to the full, but are asked to hand our lives over to God, so that we may live. If we have a fear of death or dying, we will have difficulty in yielding to God and living a Holy Spirit controlled life. We will miss out on the abundant life.

When we belong to God, we need not fear death, for Jesus came to set us free from the fear of death. If this is an issue for you, then talk to Jesus about it, rather now than later.

"If you're not ready to die, then you're not ready to live. Make certain of your eternal destiny; then you will be free to serve—devoting your life to what really counts, without fear of death." (Life Application Study Bible notes)

"Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil - and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." Hebrews 2:14-15 New International Version

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The River of Life

Watching our grandchildren cavorting about in the swimming pool or ocean, reminds me how from an early age, water has fascinated me. I was never happier than when I was paddling, fishing, rowing or sailing or just messing about in the water.

I have never been a strong swimmer, so usually keep a toe on the bottom to feel secure. One beautiful sunny day however, I was tempted way out of my depth and was so enjoying myself that I hadn't realised how cold I'd become. Hypothermia began to set in, strength was draining from my limbs and I started to lose consciousness. I felt I was going to drown, so in desperation I called out to God. To this day I can't explain how it happened, but as I surrendered I was somehow carried back to the shore by the currents. He loved me too much to let me drown.

In Ezekiel chapter 47 we hear of the River of Life, the abundant life and blessings that flow from Jesus. In verse 6 we are asked to note and seemingly ponder on what we have been shown, so I offer my considerations:

Shallow water: When we first start to respond to hearing the Gospel we may stick a tentative toe in the water, before making up our mind to enter with both feet. This is the start of a life-changing love relationship, with much splashing around in the shallows, revelling in the delight of belonging to Jesus. It's also a time to drink in the living water of His Word.

Deeper water: Eventually the honeymoon begins to fade. We may try to relive or revive the experience or seek fulfilment in some activity, but it doesn't satisfy the longing for more. God does not force us out of the shallows, but as He sees the desire in our hearts He draws us and beckons us to go deeper. As we respond and move deeper, we are challenged, but also thrilled at the answers we receive from our prayers and so move into a closer walk with God.

Out of our depth: Sooner or later we may find ourselves in a situation where we are completely out of our depth. Perhaps because we have stepped out in faith on some project or because God has allowed circumstances that are beyond our control. Either way we come to en end of our human resources, where we either sink or swim. This can be terrifying, but as we surrender to God we experience absolute succour. This is where He wants us, totally immersed in His love and dependant upon him.

Let's get into the flow for the abundant life.

"- and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist. He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross. He asked me, "Son of man, do you see this?" Ezekiel 47 but especially verses 3-6 New International Version

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