My wife and I are nearing the end of a multi-season TV series. The show focuses on the life of a woman and her family, including the very complex relationship issues that keep repeating themselves. Recently, as a result of complications from a car accident, the woman died. Although she had time to make her peace, it was still sudden and tragic. I had found myself being drawn into the lives of these characters, tearing up as it was clear this was the end for her.

As the episode ended, I turned to my wife and asked what would be more difficult to handle: the sudden death of a spouse like on the show, or the slow, inevitable death that comes at the end of a long life? My father passed away at 90 in late 2019, living the last few years in a care home while my mother spent time with him every day, so we had some context. We both agreed that both scenarios would be painful, but we also agreed that having opportunities to exchange some final words with a loved one would their passing easier to bear.

The reality is, however, that I actually asked my wife the wrong question. I should have asked, “What would be easier to handle, knowing your deceased spouse is in glory with his Heavenly Father or being unsure if they had a relationship with Jesus?” The answer to that question is abundantly obvious, isn’t it? That is precisely what the author of Ecclesiastes is suggesting in the verse above — that wise people are prepared to face death because it is inevitable.

God, I so desire to learn to put my trust in you. I want to know you more and truly understand your plans for me, plans that are full of hope of certainty in death.

Throughout This Day: Ponder this question. Are you prepared to face death whenever it comes? If you’re unsure, we invite you to talk about it with a mentor.



Tags: Daily Devotional Ecclesiastes 7:4
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