As we awaken and go through this day, I want to encourage you with the words of an amazing hymn that has been enjoyed by many Christians through the years. I will stop at verse 3 to offer a meditation for us, especially for the elderly and those who care for them. And then at the end, there is a link that you can click to hear the song.

VERSE 1: God sent His son, they called Him Jesus; He came to love, heal and forgive; He lived and died to buy my pardon; An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives

CHORUS: Because He lives, I can face tomorrow; Because He lives, all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future; And life is worth the living, just because He lives

VERSE 2: How sweet to hold a newborn baby; And feel the pride and joy He gives; But greater still the calm assurance; This child can face uncertain days, because He lives

CHORUS: Because He lives, I can face tomorrow; Because He lives, all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future; And life is worth the living, just because He lives

Now, pay close attention to this verse because I want to provide a meditation on these words.

VERSE 3: And then one day, I’ll cross the river; I’ll fight life’s final war with pain; And then, as death gives way to victory; I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He reigns

Meditation

Those words, "I'll fight life's final war with pain," are ones that resonate with believers as we get older. Through all of life, from the time we pushed our way through the birth canal until our body slowly and inevitably falls apart, we face pain. The pain can be emotional, physical, spiritual, relational, etc. There is probably no part of our lives that has been exempt from pain.

Even as we recently celebrated Mother's Day, in the midst of all of the joys and celebrations, there is no doubt that many painful memories were potentially stirred. Children not walking with the Lord. Miscarriages. A child who died prematurely. Divorce leading to the hardships of single parenting. Infertility. Children who hate the one who gave them birth. So much pain.

Then, there are the physical battles that many in our elderly population are facing. Some are annoyances and some cause constant suffering. The pillboxes get bigger – all just to keep us alive. So much pain.

Memory begins to flicker and even fade. One might remember 1965 like it was yesterday, but not know the names of their children. A spouse may no longer remember they are married, even though they have been for over 50 years. So much pain.

But the good news is that, after verse 3, comes the reminder in the chorus that "life is worth the living, just because he lives." What does that mean? It means that Jesus rose from the dead as the firstfruits of those who put their trust in him. Believers will also be raised one day, to eternal life! Death is only a graduation into the presence of the Lord. We do not "lose" loved ones; we only send them on ahead so they can greet us when we arrive at our eternal resting place. The separation is temporary for those who love Jesus. So...we continue to live. And, as we live, we live for him.

So, live for Jesus today. Keep fighting those wars with pain. Live because he lives. You can face tomorrow. All fear is gone. He does hold your future. And life is worth the living.

Why don't you sing this chorus right now, even in the midst of any pains that you feel? Or sing them as you think of your elderly friends? And click on the link at the end so that you can sit back and sing along with three amazing singers.

CHORUS: Because He lives, I can face tomorrow; Because He lives, all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future; And life is worth the living, just because He lives.

Would you like to listen to a rendition of this song? Listen to one on The Gospel Coalition.