Facing the end of life is never easy, but the Bible offers hope and peace to those nearing their final moments. Scripture provides comforting words that remind us of God’s eternal promises. Today, we’ll reflect on how the Bible guides us in offering comfort to those preparing for eternity.
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What Does The Bible Say About Comfort The Dying
Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
This verse reminds us that even in the face of death, we can find comfort in the presence of God. He is our constant companion, providing guidance and protection through every trial and tribulation.
As we walk through the darkest valleys, facing the uncertainty and fear that comes with death, we can take solace in knowing that God is by our side. His presence brings soothing comfort, assuring us that we are not alone and that we need not be afraid.
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
This verse offers a comforting assurance that in times of distress, God is present and ready to provide strength and assistance. He is our steadfast companion, promising to uphold us with His righteous right hand.
When facing the reality of dying, fear and dismay may naturally arise. However, God urges us not to be afraid or discouraged, for He is our God and He will be with us. His presence brings comfort and the strength we need to endure.
Matthew 5:4
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Jesus’ words in this verse offer a profound reassurance that those who grieve will find comfort. When the dying and their loved ones experience deep sorrow and mourning, God promises to provide solace and bring healing to their wounded hearts.
God’s comfort is not fleeting but enduring. It is a divine blessing reserved for those who mourn, assuring them that they are not alone in their pain. His comforting presence brings a peace that surpasses all understanding.
John 14:1-3
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
Jesus offers these words of comfort to His disciples as He speaks of going to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house. He assures them that He will return and take them to be with Him, providing a sense of hope and security in the face of death.
As the dying approach the end of their earthly journey, these words bring peace to their troubled hearts. They can trust in Jesus’ promise and find comfort in the hope of being reunited with Him in eternity.
Psalm 30:5
“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
This verse reminds the dying that their suffering is only temporary. Though they may experience weeping and sorrow in the night, joy and rejoicing will come in the morning.
God’s favor and love endure for a lifetime, and His anger is fleeting. The pain and anguish of the dying will give way to eternal joy and ultimate comfort in His presence.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
In these verses, Paul acknowledges God as the source of all comfort. He affirms that God comforts us in all our troubles, including the anguish of impending death, so that we can extend that same comfort to others.
As the dying receive comfort from God, they are called to pass on that comfort to those around them. Through their own experience of God’s comfort, they become conduits of His compassion, offering solace and support to others who are also facing difficulties.
Psalm 116:15
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.”
This verse acknowledges that God views the death of His faithful servants as precious. While death may seem a fearful and devastating event, God sees it as a significant and meaningful moment in the lives of those who belong to Him.
For the dying, this verse provides assurance that their passing holds great value in God’s eyes. He cherishes their lives and welcomes them into His eternal presence with love and honor.
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Jesus extends a comforting invitation to all who are weary and burdened, including those nearing the end of life’s journey. He promises to give them rest from their weariness and provide the peace and solace they desperately need.
As the dying come to Jesus, laying down their burdens and seeking His comfort, He offers them rest for their souls. In Him, they can find the respite and tranquility they long for.
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
When the dying find themselves brokenhearted and crushed in spirit, this verse reminds them of God’s proximity and His commitment to saving them. He draws near to the brokenhearted, bringing comfort and renewal to their weary souls.
Even in their weakest moments, the dying can take solace in knowing that God is with them. His presence is a source of comfort and strength, bringing healing to their wounded spirits.
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
In these words, Jesus bequeaths His peace to His disciples. This peace is not like the fleeting peace the world offers but a deep and abiding tranquility that transcends circumstances.
As the dying face their fears and troubled hearts, Jesus offers His peace to them. They can find solace in knowing that His peace will sustain them, bringing comfort and driving away all fear.
Psalm 119:50
“My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”
This verse declares that God’s promises serve as a source of comfort and preservation in times of suffering. As the dying grapple with pain and the challenges that come with approaching death, they can find strength and hope in God’s faithful promises.
God’s promises provide assurance and protection, even in the face of death. Clinging to His Word, the dying can navigate their suffering with a sense of comfort and security, knowing that His promises will uphold and sustain them.
John 16:22
“So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”
Jesus acknowledges that His disciples will experience grief and sorrow in His physical absence. However, He assures them that their grief will turn to joy when they are reunited and no one will be able to steal that joy from them.
This verse offers tremendous comfort to the dying, reminding them that their time of grief will give way to eternal joy in the presence of Jesus. The promise of everlasting joy brings hope and assurance during the challenging days of approaching death.
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
This verse emphasizes God’s ability to heal the brokenhearted and bring restoration to their wounded spirits. The dying can take comfort in knowing that God is near, ready to bind up their emotional wounds and bring healing.
While physical healing may not always be possible, God offers healing of the heart and soul. His unwavering love and compassion embrace the brokenhearted, providing comfort and wholeness even in the midst of approaching death.
2 Corinthians 4:17
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
Paul reminds believers that the troubles and sufferings encountered in this present life are temporary compared to the eternal glory that awaits them. The dying can find comfort in knowing that their current struggles will ultimately pale in comparison to the eternal joy that awaits them.
While facing the reality of dying may feel overwhelming, this verse offers a perspective of hope and encouragement. The fleeting nature of earthly troubles reminds the dying to fix their eyes on the eternal glory that is to come.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”
Paul’s prayer in these verses encompasses a desire for the Lord to provide eternal encouragement, hope, and strength to those facing impending death. He recognizes the power of God’s love and grace in sustaining and empowering believers.
For the dying, these words serve as a comforting reminder that God’s love and encouragement are not confined to this earthly life but extend into eternity. In Him, they can find the strength to continue serving Him faithfully until the very end.
Psalm 16:11
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
This verse acknowledges that God reveals the path of life to His people. As the dying navigate the final stages of their earthly journey, God promises to fill them with joy in His presence and bestow upon them eternal pleasures.
In the face of death, the dying can find solace in the assurance that their path is guided by God Himself. His presence brings immeasurable joy and the promise of eternal delight in His heavenly kingdom.
Psalm 119:76
“May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.”
When the dying turn to God, they can find comfort in His unfailing love. This love serves as a constant source of solace and reassurance, fulfilling the promise He made to His faithful servants.
God’s unfailing love surpasses all human understanding and extends to every aspect of our lives, including the process of dying. It is a love that sustains, strengthens, and provides a deep sense of comfort in the midst of challenges and uncertainties.
Psalm 34:17
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”
This verse affirms that when the righteous cry out to the Lord in their distress, He hears them and delivers them from all their troubles. God’s faithfulness ensures that the prayers and cries of His people do not go unanswered.
As the dying find themselves in the midst of turmoil and difficulties, this verse offers hope. It reminds them that God is attentive to their cries and is ready to bring deliverance and comfort in the midst of their troubles.
Psalm 119:50
“My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”
This verse declares that even in the midst of suffering, God’s promises have the power to preserve life. As the dying face the realities of their condition, they can find comfort in knowing that God’s promises are trustworthy and able to sustain them.
God’s promises often include the assurance of His presence, love, and eternal life. Embracing these promises brings hope and comfort, allowing the dying to face their suffering with courage and confidence.
Psalm 119:114
“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.”
When the dying feel vulnerable and afraid, this verse reminds them that God is their refuge and shield. He offers a place of safety and protection, instilling hope through His Word.
Bearing in mind God’s faithfulness and the promises He has given, the dying can find solace in His loving care. As they put their hope in His Word, they can rest assured that He will be their refuge and shield in the midst of life’s trials.
Psalm 18:2
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
This verse vividly portrays God as a rock, fortress, deliverer, shield, and stronghold. For the dying, these powerful images bring comfort and assurance of His unwavering protection and refuge.
Amid the turmoil of approaching death, the Lord serves as an unshakable foundation and a secure refuge. His strength and salvation provide a sense of security and peace in the midst of life’s uncertainties.
2 Corinthians 5:8
“We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”
Paul’s words in this verse express his confidence and longing to be away from his earthly body and in the presence of the Lord. It reflects the hope and assurance that believers have regarding life after death.
For the dying, this verse offers comfort, reminding them that their true home is with the Lord. As they prepare to leave their earthly bodies behind, they can eagerly anticipate the joy and peace of being in His presence.
Psalm 146:5
“Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.”
This verse proclaims the blessing of those whose help and hope is found in the Lord. As the dying place their trust in God, they can experience the richness of His abundant blessings and unwavering support.
Regardless of their circumstances, the dying can find comfort and strength in knowing that their hope is secured in the Lord. He is their ever-present help, guiding them through the challenges of dying and offering assurance for the future.