He is able to keep what I have

Committed to Him until that Day.

2 Timothy 1:12

The Bible speaks of death as a departure. When Paul approached the valley of the shadow of death he did not shudder with fear; rather he announced with a note of triumph, “The time of my departure is at hand” (2 Timothy 4:6).

The word departure in Paul’s time literally meant to pull up anchor and set sail. Everything that happens prior to death is a preparation for the journey. Just as a ship would be loaded with provisions and the voyage carefully mapped before its departure, so our time on this earth should be spent carefully preparing for our journey into eternity.

Many times I have said farewell to my wife and children as I have departed for a distant destination. Separation always brings a tinge of sadness, but there is the high hope that we shall meet again.

Such is the hope of every believing Christian as we stand at the grave of a loved one who has departed to be with the Lord. We say “Goodbye,” but only until that new day dawns and we are together with the Lord.

Billy Graham