As a pastor, I've seen many people struggle with the fear of death. It's natural to fear the unknown, but when we let that fear consume us, it can lead to depression and other negative emotions. The Bible tells us to fear God, not death itself. Jesus says, "Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him" (Luke 12:5). This means we should focus on fearing God's judgment and power, rather than the physical act of dying.
When we face our fears, we can begin to see that they're often rooted in unbelief. We may be thinking, "Lord, I don't believe you'll take care of me in death." Or, "I don't believe you'll give me the strength to face this." When we confess these fears as unbelief, we can start to examine Scripture and find comfort in God's promises. He promises to deliver us from our enemies, protect us from evil, and show us mercy (2 Kings 17:39, Proverbs 16:6, Luke 1:50). We can also seek out others who have confidence in Jesus and ask them to share their reasons for their faith.
As I reflect on my own life, I realize that I've been blessed with a loving family, including my wife Susan and our children Joshua and Rebecca. I've also been given the gift of serving as a pastor, which gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. When I think about my own mortality, I'm reminded of God's promise to give me the strength I need to face whatever comes next. I'm not afraid of death, because I know that God is with me, and He will carry me through.