Closer Than You Think
Written February 8, 2016
“fear not, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10a)
Not long ago I was watching a television program where a child was being tucked into bed by his mother. The child told his mom to please leave the light on because he was scared of the dark. The mom, very wisely, responded by asking “Now son if I were to turn off the light right now with you by my side would you be scared?” At this question the boy answered, “no.” The mom then replied, “So it’s not really the dark that you are afraid of is it?”
“I will fear no evil, for you are with me;” (Psalm 23:4b)
I think every child, at some point, has that fear and sadness which comes from being alone. In fact you don’t have to be a child to feel that way. When we lose a loved one, the void that is present leaves us dealing with a difficult situation. We feel alone, and many times that brings forth fear. In times of loss fear, sadness, and grief can all be present in our lives. Sometimes it is easy to deal with loss while other times it is very difficult. The other day a truth was shared with me that intrigued me and helped me look at the loss of a loved one in an entirely new light. In sharing this I hope this blesses you the way it blessed me.
“My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” (Philippians 1:23b)
I recently spoke with a dad at Grace’s school that had just attended a funeral for the mother of one of his neighbors. While we were speaking he mentioned something that the pastor had said at the graveside that stuck with me. He said that during the committal the minister said to all those in attendance, “Remember, your loved one is no further away than God is from you right now.” That is an interesting thought. Now to be true for all those who know Christ as Savior, God is closer than anything or anyone as He abides in us but there is truth in what that minister said. The Scriptures say 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
That means we are but one breath away from the presence of God, His angels, and all the saints who have gone before us. We are but one moment away from the gates of heaven because that is all it takes for us to move from this life to the next.
Spiritually speaking, our loved ones are closer to us now than at any time in their life. For before we had to measure their distance in miles or inches but now they are but a breath away. That gives me great comfort. For my grandparents and great grandparents that have gone on before me into heaven that I miss and want to see again I know they are not far away. I know that their presence is closer than the next room. They are as close to me as heaven and I know that when it is my time to take that trip it won’t take long at all. Remember, our loved ones are closer than you think.
“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:9-10)
