Psalm, chapter 23, is often read at funerals because of its comforting words when it comes to death. It is very sad when we find out that a loved one has passed away, especially if it is someone close to us like a brother, sister, son, daughter, wife, mother, father, best friend, and others. It hits us like a ton of bricks, for we know that this person, whom we love, will not be with us anymore in this life and possibly not in the next. Because people choose a life outside of Jesus, they are now eternally separated from what is truly good. I am very sorrowful to know of family and friends like this. As for people in Christ, there are green pastures and still waters, where there is only joy. This is because they knew in their heart and said, “the Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:1-4) And now they experience this everlasting joy in paradise.
Every person who has died in the Lord is now in a better place. We have nothing to fear, for God has taken them to be with Him in paradise. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:4) Jesus said, “let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:1-3) Therefore, “goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. (Psalm 23:6) I cannot wait for the day I will be with the Lord in heaven. I will fall down on my knees in worship to my God. I will kneel until I am asked to stand. At this point, I will run to Jesus, my King, in open arms. Oh, how I love Him. To be with God, the angels, and the saints will be so amazing. I pray that my family and friends will be there. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, this life is short, and to not live for You now would mean destruction after this life. I pray for my family and friends to receive You, Jesus, while they still have breath. I have seen way too many family members and friends pass on to the grave, while having a bad feeling about where they are now. These feelings should not exist for people I love. They have had ample opportunities to get right with You while they had time. Unfortunately, they distanced themselves from You, thinking they had more time left to repent, but in the end, that time was wasted. All I can do is speak Your truth and pray for my family and friends now. I love You, Lord, and many people in this life. I just know that I am not in charge of their salvation. People go exactly where they want to go. Lord, if people are not for You in this life, why would they be for You in the next. Thankfully, there are millions of true believers on the earth right now. Lord, we do love You and cherish every minute we have to be in Your awesome presence. You could very well snatch us up at any time. Please do. I want to be with You, God. There is joy in Your presence. I love You, Lord. Amen.
