Training as a chaplain this year, I've seen more death firsthand than in all my other years combined, with the exception of the four years I worked at the ED at Denton Community Hospital. One thing I've learned as a Christian and minister, in the face of death, is that we must pray for God's grace to deliver us from the fear and power of death and to carry us well through our dying moments. Here are some scriptures to help think about your own eventual death (and don't miss my words at the end of the post):
Lord, make us know our end and what is the measure of our days; let us know and consider how fleeting we are, that our days are as a few handbreadths and all mankind stands as a mere breath! Psalm 39:4-5(ESV) Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding. 1 Chronicles 29:15(ESV)
Lord, so teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom, Psalm 90:12(ESV) and make us to discern our latter end! Deuteronomy 32:29(ESV)
Lord, make us always ready, dressed for action with our lamps burning, Luke 12:35 (ESV) for the Son of Man is coming at an hour we do not expect. Luke 12:40 (ESV)
Keep us all the days of our service, waiting till our renewal comes; and then shall you call, and we will answer. Job 14:14-15 (ESV)
Bring us to our grave like a sheaf gathered up in its season; Job 5:26 (ESV) satisfy us with life, whether it be long or short, and show us your salvation. Psalm 91:16 (ESV)
And when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, be with us, that we may fear no evil; let your rod and your staff comfort us. Psalm 23:4 (ESV)
Let goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our life, and let us dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:6 (ESV) May steadfast love and faithfulness be with us. 2 Samuel 15:20 (ESV)
Ransom our souls from the power of Sheol, and receive us; Psalm 49:15 (ESV) guide us with your counsel, and afterward receive us into glory. Psalm 73:24 (ESV)
We must all die and I implore you dear friends to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. I want you to come to Christ Jesus, right now, because you don’t know when you will take that leap through the door of death. Confess your sins to God, put your trust in Jesus to save you, and you will pass from death to life. You have God’s promise on it.
