Today was a tough day—I woke up feeling unwell. One side of my nose was completely clogged, my head felt as heavy as a rock, my body was fatigued and drained, and my throat was slightly sore. I had felt a bit off last night but assumed it was just the weather. This morning, however, proved me wrong.

I caught something, and with it came some “wheezin,” as we say. It hasn’t gone away—every time I laugh or exhale after a deep breath, the “wheezin” kicks in. Because of this, I decided to see a doctor today to get checked out. In the meantime, with my chest hurting and other things happening at church, I felt a deep sense of fear, worrying that I might receive a bad report from the doctor.

As I waited at the clinic, I observed the people around me—some coughing, others sitting with walkers and handbags, patiently waiting for their turn to be called in. The wait stretched beyond an hour, and I tried not to dwell on how sick I felt. Instead, my thoughts turned to life itself—how fragile we are and how small our struggles seem in the grand scheme of things. I began to reflect on the Lord and His goodness to me, and despite my illness, I felt encouraged. A sense of otherworldly peace started to settle over me.

Yesterday, a brother who visited our church shared how much the message encouraged him. He said, “Hey, I was really blessed by your message on Sunday and by being there. It was God’s providence and exactly what I needed.” Last night, I sat in on a Systematic Theology class, where the teacher expressed his gratitude to the Lord for the opportunity to study such material. He shared that in all his years in the church, he had never experienced such a rich time in the Word as he was experiencing now. Moments like these remind us of eternity and the eternal significance of our time here. Even in seasons of sickness, suffering, and challenges, God remains good and faithful.

In The Calming Effects of Worst-Case Scenarios, I shared how considering the worst possible outcome can actually bring relief in moments of fear. I explained how this perspective can help free us from being trapped by fears—especially the fear of death. The truth is, for those of us who believe, life continues beyond this world. What also encourages me are the stories of God’s covenant people who endured great hardships, yet still experienced His grace. Difficult seasons can weigh heavily on the heart, but remembering God’s promises can restore hope.

Life is filled with a range of emotions—doubts, discouragements, and anxieties—but none is as overwhelming as the fear of death. It was this fear that led me to make a phone call, as I grew increasingly anxious while waiting for my results, worrying that bad news might be coming. When I called the clinic, I was put through a series of automated prompts, transferred multiple times, and finally connected with a nurse who could give me the results. Thankfully, the X-ray showed no signs of pneumonia or bronchitis. I was prescribed medication that should help me recover. Fear haunted me today, gripping my heart and making me impatient. Sometimes, that’s just how it happens. The fear of receiving bad news can shake anyone—even someone who preaches about trusting in the Lord during those very moments.

I was reminded of Psalm 73:25-28.

Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.

Those who are far from the Lord shall perish, but for me it is good to be near God. That truth should bring peace to the soul in the face of fear. The Lord knows every detail of our lives—our hearts, our weaknesses, and our struggles. He sees us even in moments when the fear of death feels overwhelming. He knows all things, and yet He knows us in a unique way. We must remember that the Lord God is our refuge, especially when fear tries to take hold and stir chaos within us.

In moments when fear haunts us, we must fight to hold on to hope. I wish I had done that today. Lord willing, next time I will remember to take refuge in Him, so that I may declare His mighty works. No matter what the doctor’s report says, I can overcome the overwhelming fear of death through the hope I have in Christ.