​You’ve seen the tell-tale initials on headstones, sympathy cards, or comments made when someone dies: “R.I.P.” 

Have you ever wondered about that phrase? I have, for it brings up a subtle question: is it possible a departed person might not “rest in peace?” For example, what becomes of a troubled soul who never finds peace before death and has no belief in the afterlife?    

But, we are not to judge and we cannot answer this question. I apologize for writing about this morbid subject. The truth is it's hard to think about death, much less talk about it.   
 
Being a writer, I analyze words and phrases, so “R.I.P” lit up like a neon question mark in my head.  What is the real meaning behind “rest in peace” and where did the phrase originate?

A quick glance at *Wikipedia provides an answer. The phrase comes from Latin, “requiescat in pace,” historically used by certain Christian denominations to wish a departed soul “a decedent eternal rest and peace.”

I feel better knowing “R.I.P.” refers to eternal peace or rest. But, considering how often this timeworn phrase is used, how many people realize its true meaning? Eternal peace and rest come from belief in the Lord Jesus Christ and His promise of salvation and eternal life.   

My prayer is that all would know and believe in the promises given by the One who granted them life. If there is trouble anywhere—as there often is in life—may they know God loves them no matter what they’ve been through, and there is hope, even for the most troubled hearts.      
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“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 NIV 2011  

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*htps://en.wikipedia.org>wiki>Rest_in_peace

 "The Blessed Road"  - a lyrical poem for Harp  
(Pronounce "Blessed as "Bless-ed") 

"When you're going along,
not feeling so strong, 
and the direction seems wrong, 
Look up
Follow the Blessed Road.

In the distance, the sky is blue, 
The sun shines, too, 
The Lord is at hand
to help you stand
if you stumble   

Look forward,
For through faith and prayer
You need not despair
What trouble may be
The Lord surely sees.   

Song of renewal, take flight
as a butterfly glides in the light
Your heart can be free
when you give up the fight
of the struggle of sin from within

See the beauty of God's goodness 
Jesus' love surrounds you 
Savior, Lord, and Friend 
He  is with you
His love will never end   

His path leads to the cross
Lay your burdens down
as you kneel next to the tree
Where Jesus' gave His life
for you and for me.
  
Look ahead
His light shines bright
in the darkest of nights
Reach out to Him and stay 
on the Blessed road today."   

 -Nancy Johnson  8-3-23 
May the path you walk be one of hope, joy, peace, and love—all made possible by God.                                                                                                       <>< <>< <><                                             

"For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."  - Ephesians 2:8-10

"Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." - Proverbs 2:9

"You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." -  Psalm 16:11

"Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths." -  Psalm 25:4

Photo courtesy of Vecteezy.com