Facing the Valley of Death
I wanted to share some reflections that have been on my heart this week, prompted by the recent passing of my grandfather. At 93 years old, we knew his time was drawing near, yet facing death still brings a mix of emotions. It reminded me of the challenging realities of the brevity of life we all must confront and our profound hope in Christ.
The Badwater Ultramarathon, often described as “the world’s toughest foot race,” offers a vivid metaphor for the valleys we face in life. This grueling 135-mile race through Death Valley, with temperatures soaring to 130°F, is a test of endurance where few can succeed. Though not physical, the valley of death we all face is no less formidable.
David described this valley in Psalm 23 as “the valley of the shadow of death.” We’ve all had friends, family, and loved ones who never made it out. My grandfather entered that valley on Monday and was with Jesus Wednesday night.
Even with all of the wisdom of the medical profession, guys like Peter Attia, and the use of scientific discoveries, we must agree with the wise preacher of old who said, “For the living know that they shall die” (Ecclesiastes 9:5).
Here are four important truths about death found in Scripture that I hope will offer you some comfort and perspective:
- You can know where you are going.
I John 5:13 “These things have I written unto you that believe in the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe in the name of the Son of God.”
John 3:16b “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
- You don’t know, but God knows when you are going.
Psalm 139:16 “Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book, they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.”
Job 14:5 “Since his days are determined, The number of his months is with You; You have appointed his limits, so that he cannot pass.”
“Lord, teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
“It is not that we have a short time to live, it is that we waste a lot of it.” Seneca
- Know you will stand before God when you go.
2 Cor. 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”
Rev. 20:13 “And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hell gave up the dead which were in them, and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds.”
Heb. 9:27 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”
- Know that going is far better than staying.
Phil. 1:21 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Christ is in heaven, and believers will go to be with Him. Jesus said to the thief on the cross, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43)
Heaven is a place of magnificent glory, and being with Christ in the glory of heaven will be far superior to our present earthly lives.
Psalm 116:15 “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”
If you are unsure about your relationship with Christ, I urge you to consider the victory over death that comes only through Him. And if you are a believer, remember George Bowen’s words: “The only preparation for tomorrow is the right use of today.”
Treg Spicer is pastor of Faith Baptist Church – Morgantown, WV. Follow his blog here. We republish his articles by permission.
Photo by Mufid Majnun on Unsplash