In terms of existence, there are two fundamental characteristics that we all share and have absolutely no control over. They are:

a)We exist now and will continue to exist infinitely.
b)Our existence is before God.

Nothing can ever change the fact that we exist. Human existence never ends, it just changes shape. Life and death are just different forms of existence. Its odd to me that people have their whole lives to come to terms with the fact that, eventually, life transitions into death, but few people ever truly come to grips with it. Most never really escape the fear of death. When I was younger, I had a fear of the dark and a fear that there may be sharks in my swimming pool. I can now, having matured to the level I am, look back and see those fears were stupid. I know now that there is nothing in the dark that doesn't exist in the light and that, while I guess it is possible that there has been a shark in a swimming pool at some point for some reason or another, the odds are not favorable that there is a shark in my swimming pool. Our perception of the validity of our fears is based on the maturity of our understanding. We all have fears, but I can't escape the thought that all of our fears are as petty as the fears of our childhood. All that needs changed is our maturity, our perspective. Death or sharks in a swimming pool, equally petty fears in the eyes of one who understands greater things.

If we understand, then, that death is just a change in the shape of our existence, we should no longer fear death itself. For a child of God, its not such a bad change. The fear of the unknown certainly becomes a factor, but then again, its just as petty as any other fear. Nonetheless, you exist and nothing can change that.

Also, nothing can be done with the fact that our existence is before God. David spoke about it in the Psalms. He basically said, "Where ever I go, God is there." You can chose to not acknowledge the God exists, you can chose to hate God, you can chose to believe that you are God. Your opinion on the subject, you can change. However, nothing changes the fact that you and your opinions are still before God.

Existence is such a gift. I've always known that life is a gift, even when it's conditions were unfavorable, but life is ultimately a tiny, tiny phase in our existence. Yes, the fact that God gave us physical life here on Earth is incredible, but how much greater is it that He gave us the gift of existence. And even greater than that, the opportunity of eternal life, to exist infinitely in abundant life. If there is a valid fear, it is the fear of missing out on this gift. Beyond that, everything else is petty.

Richie Fortenberry is the founder of RF Media Design, a website design company. http://www.rfmediadesign.com

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