I have a place prepared

(And, no, I’m not talking about a burial plot.)

In my pondering the reality of my inescapable, downward slide into old age these last few weeks, I’ve broached the fact of my inevitable demise. The demise of my body, that is. But I haven’t really expressed how I feel about that. Surely many who allow themselves to think about their own sure and impending death are fearful of it. And I admit that a little apprehension bubbles up for me also at the thought of that day, and that experience. It’s perhaps the greatest of the great unknowns for each of us personally.

But I am so convinced of the truth of Christianity and my security in Christ, and his promises of eternal life and being with him when this life is over, that the apprehension never develops into fear. In fact, for me, the afterlife as seen from the beforedeath is something I occasionally find myself longing for. To be in God’s presence in a tangible way and away from the presence of all that is evil and maddening sounds pretty good, don’t you think?

Of course, I’m in no hurry to leave my husband, children, and grandchildren. But if we really believe what the Bible teaches about the joy and peace awaiting everyone who has put their faith and trust in Jesus, should we not look forward to it?

I’ll close this installment of my series on aging with a few of those verses, for your (and my) encouragement.

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. – 1 John 5:13

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” – John 11:25

In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. – John 14:2-3

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. – John 5:24

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” – Revelation 21:3-4