Ecclesiastes 8:8a There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death:
Death affects all. It is an event over which we human beings have no control. It can occur in a moment and forever change the lives of those still here.
I had friends who died very young. Some due to illness, some to accident, but they are gone nonetheless. I know others who lived a long life and died surrounded by their family and friends. In the same way, they are gone too.
It is a natural inclination to try and avoid this thing called death. We diet. We exercise. We treat health problems with the finest of drugs and therapy. However in the end, we are powerless against this force called death.
Job 14:5 Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass;
Sounds depressing, but God does not leave us without hope. Although we do not have power in the day of death, He does. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to die for our sins and make a way for us to escape the ultimate death, which is separation from God. He promises us eternal life (John 3:15-16). That is why it is said of God,
Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints
The death of His saints is precious because of the great victory over death that His saints have. The verses below perhaps state it best. The Christian does not have to fear death for something far better than this life awaits them.
1 Corinthians 15:51-57 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. .