How Do I Stop Being Afraid of Dying?
Jesus has already beaten death. For anyone who trusts Him, death isn't the end. It's the door home. You may still feel fear, but you don't have to be ruled by it.
Jesus has already beaten death. For anyone who trusts Him, death isn't the end. It's the door home. You may still feel fear, but you don't have to be ruled by it.
Fear of death is one of the most human things there is. Maybe it hits you at night, or it came after a scary diagnosis, or at a funeral. Feeling it doesn't mean your faith is weak. Even Jesus was in anguish before the cross (Luke 22:44).
What the Bible says
1. Jesus came to set you free from this fear. Jesus shared in our humanity so "that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death… and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery" (Hebrews 2:14–15 ESV).
2. Death has lost its sting. Death is still an enemy, but it's a defeated one. "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?… Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:55–57 ESV).
3. You won't go through it alone. In the middle of our fear, we can expect and pray for the presence of God to be there. To show up and to walk with us through it. "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me" (Psalm 23:4 ESV). Jesus said, "I will come again and will take you to myself" (John 14:3 ESV).
4. What's next is better. For the believer, to be away from the body is to be at home with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). I know death feels scary, but for the believer it's a massive upgrade! You get to be with Jesus, where there is no more death, sin, pain, or tears. Paul said, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain… My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better" (Philippians 1:21, 23 ESV).
You might be thinking…
"I'm not afraid of being dead. I'm afraid of how I'll die." That's honest. God doesn't promise an easy exit, but He promises His presence and enough grace for that day when that day comes. You don't need tomorrow's grace today.
"I'm not sure I'm going to heaven." Then that's the real question, and you can settle it today. "Whoever has the Son has life" (1 John 5:12 ESV).
"The fear won't go away." If anxiety about death is taking over your life, talk to a pastor and consider a Christian counselor or doctor. God heals through miracles, medicine and wise counsel. Using one doesn't mean you lack faith.
Next step
Memorize John 11:25–26 this week: "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live." When the fear shows up, say it out loud.
Related questions
Hebrews 2:14–15; 1 Corinthians 15:54–57; Psalm 23:4; John 14:1–3; Philippians 1:21–23; 2 Corinthians 5:6–8; 1 John 5:11–13; John 11:25–26