Stand on God’s Word (6)

“To depart and be with Christ…is better by far.” Philippians 1:23 NIV

When death takes someone you love. Satan will try to torment you with remorseful thoughts of what you did and didn’t do for your loved one while they were still here. Don’t listen to him! The Bible calls him “the accuser” (see Revelation 12:10). Instead, rejoice that your loved one was in right standing with you and with the Lord, and that you’ll be reunited in heaven for all eternity. Give yourself permission to grieve, and when the grieving period ends, stand on God’s Word: “Brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 NLT). “Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength” (1 Corinthians 15:42-43 NLT). “Let not your heart be troubled; you 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…I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3 NKJV). Paul writes, “To depart and…be with Christ…is better by far.” Lean on these words of Scripture today and find comfort.

Bible in a year: Lev 23-24 and Mark 1:1-22