Abandonment

 For you will not abandon me to the grave, 

 - From Psalm 16

Death is a very frightening thing. I don't think we fear pain, or any kind of torments, really. But we do fear darkness and isolation. And this is the character of "eternal punishment" envisioned by many modern theologians. 

I think that loneliness is perhaps the thing we fear the most. Or how about this word: "lonesome." that sounds even worse than being "lonely."

The Psalmist expresses this, when he says "You will not abandon me to the grave."

Just give me that much Lord - - - just don't leave me in the ground, lonely.

When at the bedside of a dying person, you become more and more aware of their state of going it alone. Even with the room full of loved ones, it is obvious that nobody can relate to the dying person. Only the person dying understands what's happening. He or she is about to go through a journey, alone . . . no one in that room can do anything about that.

It's the ultimate abandonment, the ultimate loneliness: being left in the ground, dead.

This is a something to cheer about. The most terribly feeling of utter despair and helpless isolation - - - God will not leave us there. That sounds way better than some vague reference to eternal life, about which none of us have a clue.