But we are of good courage and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:8 (NASB)
If there's one phrase that most of my friends don't like to hear me say, it's: "I'm not afraid of death because I know what awaits me from the other side". I still remember the first time I said it in a sermon. Some members of the congregation said it was scary, that I might be suicidal. Others asked the question: "How can I be so sure of what awaits me?" I always tell them it's a matter of faith and hope.
I believe that such a hope is most appropriate for one who believes in Christ. This verse gives us this assurance that those who die in Christ will be with the Lord. The flesh dies but the spirit does not die to be with God. For fear of dying, some Christians prefer not to entertain such hope. They do not share the faith of Paul who, wanting to be with the Lord, preferred to leave his body. It is a truth founded in the sacrifice of the cross.
Fortunately, we know that Jesus did not remain in the grave, He rose from the dead and sat at the right hand of the father, interceding for believers and preparing a place for them. This is proof that there is life after death. So, I believe that, just like Paul, you can have this hope if you are convinced of your faith in the sacrifice of the cross which gave us this hope.
May the grace and peace of God be with you all.