When the diagnosis is terminal and the end is near, most people turn their hearts to God. When those who face death look to that coming day beyond this earthly vale of tears, feelings of denial and anger often give way to a serene acceptance, a peaceful assurance that a loving God is in His heaven. Whether over months or years, or sometimes in an instant, a yearning for the nearness of God is part of the experience of life.
In April of 1912, the unsinkable Titanic struck an iceberg and descended into the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean, sending more than 1,500 people into eternity. The story is that while the massive ocean liner sunk into the cold depths of the sea, the band accompanied the ship’s passengers as they sang the beloved hymn “Nearer, My God, to Thee.” Today, as we look at some of the recovered artifacts of the luxurious Titanic, one cannot help but think that as the end drew near, possessions and power and prestige must have become meaningless to those onboard. What could the things of this world possibly mean to those standing at the precipice of death? As the inevitable arrived, it seems they sought peace and drew strength as their thoughts turned heavenward:
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee! . . .
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to thee . . . ![1]
One doesn’t need to face imminent death to desire divine reassurance and spiritual comfort. The common yearning in our hearts is to know God, to draw nearer to Him, to find rest for our souls. Whether life ends early or late, expectedly or suddenly, we need the strength and peace that comes from turning our hearts to heaven. Those who do will not be spared life’s difficulties and heartache, but as they draw near unto the Lord, the Lord will draw near unto them.[2]
Program #3915
[1] “Nearer, My God, to Thee,” Hymns, no. 100.
[2] See Doctrine and Covenants 88:63; James 4:8; Zechariah 1:3.