How to Live in the Shadow of Death
Lately, we have had a lot of heart-breaking diagnoses and deaths in our extended family. So much that it forces you thinking and praying. How should we live in the shadow of death?
I think this is one of the most important questions in life, don’t you think? It is a matter of life and death after all. It determines how we live and for what we live. And what happens to us after our death.
The sad thing is if we can’t handle these questions and start doing anything that makes us feel alive no much how harmful it is.
Finding happiness here on earth does not happen when we go after self-realization or embrace dreams given to us by Hollywood or Madison avenue or Wall Street. Denying the shadow of death does not bring us peace. But embracing it does.
The good thing that comes out of this is more focused living. It forces us to live fully and stop taking things granted. It makes us to see what things matter and encourages us to hold on to those. And it makes us to see what’s superficial or harmful and pushes us to let go of them.
Only God can make us fully alive in the shadow of death. Only the breath of God keeps us among living. Only the grace of God saves us from eternal death.
Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4, AMP)
The only life-giving way to deal with death and dying is to embrace it with the grace of God. When we are not afraid of dying, we are ready to live abundantly no matter how dark it is.
Sure, it is wise to seize the day and live fully. Carpe diem, and all that. But it is much wiser to seize God while doing it. Carpe Deum, if you will.
Because only God can bless you with eternal life.
Only Jesus can save you from death and dying.
Only the Holy Spirit can fill you with peace.
For me to live is Christ [His life in me], and to die is gain [the gain of the glory of eternity]. If, however, it is to be life in the flesh and I am to live on here, that means fruitful service for me; so I can say nothing as to my personal preference [I cannot choose]. (Phil. 1:21-22, AMP)
How can we then seize God in the shadow of death? By embracing him and what he does for us, in us and through us every day of our lives. By surrendering to him daily and asking him to show us how to use our time here on earth. By trusting God to know what’s best for us in every situation. By praising God for giving us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. By dancing in the shadow of the death while singing Hallelujah.
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?
(1 Cor. 15:55, NLT)
Gracious God,
We praise you for giving us victory over sin and death through Jesus.
We thank you for offering us life upon life.
We embrace you and your grace with everything we’ve got.
Show us how to live and dance in the shadow of death.
Enable us to live fully no matter how dark it gets.
May only your will happen in our lives.
In Jesus’ precious name,
Amen
Q4U: Do you know how to live and dance in the shadow of death? Please, do share!
Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you live fully in Jesus in the shadow of death!
Image courtesy of Mari-Anna Stålnacke. Linking up today with Unite the Bloggersphere and #tellhisstory.
4 thoughts on “How to Live in the Shadow of Death”
our loss of a loved one here is their gain in heaven…one day soon it will be ours too, Hallelujah! stay rejoicing, hugs, sis<3
Yes, let’s keep rejoicing, sis. Thank you, Crystal. God bless you and yours richly!
What a great word, and the confirmation was having read that passage in 1 Corinthians today in my devotions. I’m so glad that I’m right next to you at Unite this week!
Thanks, Elizabeth. I love when God gives us confirmations. Thanks so much for sharing. God bless you, sis!