“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.”
– 1 John 4:18
Are you acquainted with the influences of fear? Everyone is impacted by fear on some level. It is a direct result of our Fall in the Garden. There are two fear concepts in the Word of God. One is to live in reverence and respect (fear) of the Lord God. The other is to experience impactful dread because we think too highly of ourselves or others. Everyone wants to be loved and respected. Though often twisted, this is because we are made in the image of God and have misplaced value. Or perhaps we are nervous about how we do or do not measure up before our pure, holy God?
So we live within these two realities. A God and Savior who wishes only our best, and an adversary who wishes to destroy is. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it in fullness.” John 10:10
Fear is VERY powerful.
For instance, fear of not enough. Will I be enough? Fear of the unknown. Of dangers on our journey. Will I be loved? “Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also joined us in our humanity, that through His sacrificial death He might take away the power of him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.” Hebrews 2:14-15 Fear brings bondage. Perfect love brings peace.
Fix Your Eyes
“Therefore, since we have such a great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every life-weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame it inflicted with it, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1, 2
“Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:26-28
The Power of Rejoicing in God
“Rejoice in the Lord always.” This can never be overstated – rejoice! “Let your earnest heart desires rise up before Him! And let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and requesting with thanksgiving make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all mere human comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7
Stay focused on the big picture about fear. It is Satan’s tool to control you. It is God’s to master so we can be set free!
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” – 1 John 4:18
It is that easy!
Dave and Burnadette