Psalm 116:15
The LORD cares deeply 
when his loved ones die. (NLT)

When they arrive at the gates of death,
GOD welcomes those who love him.
(The Message)

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Simple truth spoken plainly comforts deeply. 

In light of recent tragedy, we require perspective. The temptation is to think of this world we live in as the ultimate expression of being. We require a reframing of this idea. Here is a simple truth: Our current existence is more kindergarten than graduate school. 

This life is a warm-up act for the Main Event to come.

The Best is yet to Be.

Verse 7 adds additional perspective. 

“Let my soul be at rest again, 
for the Lord has been good to me.”

The Message paraphrases this verse this way:

“I said to myself, ‘Relax and rest.
GOD has showered you with blessings.’”

We can rest in peace on this side of forever because nothing is more uncertain than death when viewed through the lens of eternity. 

Death is not endless; life is. 

Death has an expiration date; life does not. 

Death presents us to God in all his reality; his gift of endless life and perfect peace are fully realized in an instant, a moment that never ends. 

God welcomes those who love him. Love him well, even when you cannot fully understand him. 

Love him fully by trusting what he says, doing what he asks, and becoming who he always dreamed you would be. 

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I will trust what God says, do what he asks, and become who he wants me to be, knowing that he loves me now and will love me forever. 

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Our Father, I trust your loving heart. I welcome your loving purpose. I anticipate your loving craftsmanship. I belong to you. Empower me to live in this land of shadows with the wonder of expectation of a brighter, more beautiful day that never ends. Amen.