Faith-Based Recovery (even for atheists)

Lately I have been somewhatpreoccupied with death-I can't seem to get the dreary subject matter out of myhead. Specifically, I have been worrying about what seems like the possibilitythat there is no life after death. I have been terrified by the notion thatthere might be nothing for us when we die: no reunification with Christ or ourbeloved people and pets, and no everlasting love from our Maker.I am a recovered alcoholic and due to God's grace I have been reborn bothspiritually and in a sense, physically. As a result of my sobriety I sensetime's lapse more acutely in my life, and I am concerned that I might havesquandered my chance to accomplish something meaningful in this life. I amconstantly bombarded by atheistic ideology in the media and combined with myfears about lapsing time I have anxiety attacks especially at night concerningdeath. My faith is shaken to the core when I ponder death. Can you help meout?Rick As I read your email I was saddened by the thought that your Faith might beshaken. It appears that Satan is working overtime on your psyche as thefollowing verse warns us. 1 Peter 5:6-9 “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,thatHe may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares foryou. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like aroaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” What we see at night is oftendarker than in the day, especially since it is quiet with no distractions andwe are still to think. I have been very anxious at times at night and haveemployed various techniques to help:1) Pray Psalm 42:10 “Be still and know that I am God”…over and over each timeworries come to mind such as death, and give it to God. Another effectiveverse is: 2 Tim 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of powerand of love and of a sound mind.” 2) Or/and pray Psalm 23 repeatedly, and Psalm 63:6-8 talks about meditating onGod in our bed at night.3) Or get up and read your favorite chapters in the book of John or otherPsalms4) Because I also have painful arthritis and am allergic to most meds, Isometimes take an Ativan for insomnia and anxiety. You and your doctor shouldbe able to figure out what is best for you.5) Never watch the news or any dark program before bedtime. I watch a shortcomedy and then read something spiritual before lights out. Because I did not come to know Jesus until I was 40, I also feel I have verylittle time to give back to the LORD. Fortunately His Word, the Biblereassures us that our main work is to believe, to love and TRUST in Him. Hewill provide each opportunity for us to worship, (work for Him), if we arewilling and eager to serve, in any way. Micah 6:8 says:” He has shown you, Oman, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you, But to do justly, Tolove mercy, And to walk humbly with your God.” What could be more meaningfulto your life? Jesus knows our hearts. Paradox lies at the very heart of life’s mystery. What we strive for can often be what we least need. What we “fear most canturn out to be our greatest blessing.” Just because we exist, we have meaningand purpose. The Bible is a book of 7000 promises from God to us. Explore tofind them. Some recommended, wonderful readings include Psalm 46, 2 Cor 5which speaks about being absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, Revelations 21:1-7 and Rev. 7:9-10 and 16-17 talks about no more death, painor sorrow—WOW!, Hebrews 11:1-3, Psalm 32:7-11, Psalm 145:14-21, Romans8:35-39 that says death will not separate us from Christ, Psalm 90:12-17 tellsus to number our days which does not mean that we live in dread, fearing death,but that we live with joy and gratitude making the most of every precious day. That kind of living is God’s wisdom. Also,1 Peter 1:3-9, Psalm 18:1-6 and16-17talks about the snares of death, Psalm 62:5-8. Life is a gift…Now, in changing your life, you are reborn in a new form. Donotlose hope and keep your soul and heart pure. (Phil 4:8-9 …”whatever things aretrue, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things arepure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if thereis any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in Jesus, thesedo,and the God of peace will be with you.” The outcome depends on how we choose toreact to our crisis. Jesus once said, ”Whoever wants to save his life willlose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it.” And PRAY, PRAY,PRAY. Phil 4:6-7 says to “ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything byprayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known toGod; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard yourhearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Also, Proverbs 15:29 says,” The LORD is far from the wicked,But He hears the prayer of the righteous.” God’s amazing grace is giving us “the gift of faith.” It is not something thatwe are generating by our own effort or in our own strength. It is a gift. Thereal, biblical, healthy, miracle-working faith is never a matter of denial. Itis a matter of declaration. Young David did not have to deny the size of thegiant Goliath, he just declared that God was greater. Daniel did not have todeny the presence of the lions in the lion’s den, he just declared that God wasgreater. And you don’t have to deny the physical death; you just need todeclare that God is greater! 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 states, “We are hard pressedon every side, but not crushed, perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, butnot abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” Our confidence is in ourSavior. “Therefore, do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away,yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentarytroubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far out weighs them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what isseen is temporary, but what is seen is eternal. As for worrying that there is no life after death, Jesus, God the Son declaresotherwise many times in His Word; our only ‘work’ is to trust Him. John 14:1-4states:"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. InMyFather's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. Igoto prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I willcome again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. I also believe that my animals will be with me in heaven since animals such asbirds and horses are mentioned in Rev 19:17,21, and 11 and in other verses.Remember what Jesus said in Matt 24:10-13: At that time many will turn awayfrom the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophetswill appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness,the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will besaved. So we must keep our focus on Jesus and hold onto His promises of goodness,faithfulness, power, and love. Psalm 118 says,”This is the day that the LORDhas made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Live it and give it for theglory of God. And, don’t forget that my story, like yours, has a really happyending! …And even the ending will only be the beginning!! I know I said a lot, but the GOOD BOOK is REALLY GOOD! In His Amazing Love and Mercy,Fred at ProJesus