“The Shadow of DEATH”
Three Things We Can Learn from the Death of Robin Williams
and
Comments from Psalm 23
By: George Nielsen
Actor and comedian Robin Williams died earlier this week. He was remembered for his many acting roles, both in dramatic roles and comedy. He was recognized for his remarkable talent. He died at his home, having committed suicide, by hanging. Many people, including myself, were greatly saddened by his death, and have thoughts of sympathy and condolences for his family. This essay has my reflections on Robin Williams’ passing and also comments on “The Psalm of the Good Shepherd” – The 23rd Psalm.
“The Shadow of Death” is a phrase from the 23rd Psalm that has become part of our culture – a figure of speech expressing that we are mourning a loss that casts a shadow on us, a sense of heaviness and regret, but we have to carry on with our routines of life, even while in the midst of the shadow. When the heaviness and regrets cause us to reflect, the result can be ideas or thoughts that can comfort us – we can learn from this, and maybe gain some wisdom for the future. My reflections showed me three things to be learned from the death of Robin Williams.
Talent, even remarkable talent, on a high level, can lead to achievement and success in life. Using our talent to achieve, becoming successful and established in a particular field, is very worthwhile. But the first lesson we can learn is this successful result is still only an on-the-surface thing. The foundation for a sense of worth, and for satisfaction in life, is something internal and deeper. The foundation you build on is your Identity – how you see yourself.
The surface things in life can be satisfying. The old saying is that “Money can’t buy you happiness” – but poverty can’t buy it either. Things you have can be worthwhile, but you can still be miserable even with an accumulation of things and money. The viewpoint that is best for being content, strong and resilient in life starts by recognizing the value of human life and the sacredness of human life. So, the foundation for my Identity as a person is that life is sacred and has value. I have value and worth, as a person – and so do you. This is a starting point for being resilient, and standing up to issues you face in life.
The second lesson has to do with those issues we all will face in life. Fame, recognition of your talent, and having money – none of those will not stop the painful issues from happening, and if you rely on them you will be in for a letdown. So, what do you do? Particularly, what do you do about a troubled mind or troubled emotions. This is what Robin Williams faced.
It’s easy to say that issues must be faced, but often this can’t be done just through your own willpower – particularly for mental and emotional problems. So, we then have to call on resources that are available to help. There are people that care, and they can either be a help themselves or direct us to others that can help, while still staying along side us themselves. Plus, I would be remiss if I did not mention the most important and the best “resource”, a friend that “sticks closer than a brother.” The Holy Bible declares, in the wisdom book, Proverbs, that we have this kind of a friend. He is the LORD God Almighty. The old saying that I have become famous for is “the Power of God will meet your needs.”
Related to this, Robin Williams’ life includes an example of doing one thing that is NOT a resource, it’s a hindrance. He drank alcoholic beverages, no doubt thinking this would help him deal with troubles. In addition to the damage alcohol does to the brain and the liver, this is a habit that takes you down, in spite of any temporary “high” you experience. The end is addiction. I recommend abstaining from all alcoholic beverages, for everyone.
The third lesson is that being in “the shadow of death” is a time for remembering the one we have lost, who has now passed on, AND a time where we need to stop and re-examine our own life. Eternity is forever, but this life is not. We need to face and be prepared for our own mortality. And death could come unexpectedly. What will this re-examination show – for you?
For many people, honest self-examination, reflecting on our own mortality, shows that the heart of our problem is that there is a problem in our heart. We have a conscience – and it tells us our heart is proud and rebellious against the LORD God Almighty. Based on God’s standards, we are sinners, and we need to Get Right with God. The Good News is that we can do this! The Holy Bible teaches that “whoever calls on the Name of the LORD shall be saved” (see Romans, Chapter 10, verses 9, 10, and 13). Also, in the Book of Acts, chapters 2 and 4, Peter the Apostle is quoted, explaining how people need to repent of their sins, trust in Jesus as their Savior, and commit themselves to Him. Peter declares – There is no other way; no other name to call out to, except Jesus.
Psalm 23 is known as the Psalm of The Good Shepherd. When we walk through the Valley of the shadow of death, with God we can stand-up against fears and troubles, because He is with us. In times of our own troubles, He can restore our troubled mind and emotions, and lead us on the Right Path. And we know that the Right Path has a good destination. Psalm 23, Verse 6, says:
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. (KJV)
JESUS is The Good Shepherd.
IF You have not yet trusted in Jesus and received the gift of eternal life through repentance and faith in Him – then NOW is the time. Come to Jesus. Receive Him as your Savior, and acknowledge and declare that He is LORD.
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3: 16 (NKJV)
