All roads on our faith walk seem to end up, eventually, at the intersection of FEAR and LOVE. So that’s where we are parked today as this month’s exploration of GOD’S LOVE comes to an end. We’re face-to-face with this truth: the world’s FEAR will never stop knocking on our door, but God’s LOVE will turn it away every time. A “simple” truth to embrace, but a difficult promise to live out. Here’s how God has helped me in that battle…
It starts out small…just a fleeting thought, really. But it sticks around and begins to gain strength like a rolling wave in the cobalt-blue Pacific. And then it crashes onto the shore of our life.
The unwanted intruder? FEAR.
Early in my faith walk, attacks by FEAR rolled in on a regular basis under the cover of Satan’s darkness. No wonder I drifted away from God and landed in a fog of hopelessness.
But God used that period in my life to teach me that our level of FEAR is determined by how much we BELIEVE in the power of God’s LOVE. That having God’s LOVE in our heart repels FEAR. That God’s LOVE is fear’s KRYPTONITE.
FEAR is a liar that can empower the enemy to steal our trust in God’s LOVE. To counter that threat, I have learned to take fear out of play the minute it appears on my porch. I do that by immediately calling on GOD’S LOVE to slam the door in fear’s face. I commit right then and there to BELIEVE in the power of God’s LOVE.
“Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love drives out fear.” 1 John 4:18
When we fully embrace and believe this kind of love, there is nothing to FEAR because his love cannot fail (Psalm 36:5-7).
God’s LOVE is a shield surrounding us in safety.
God’s LOVE never fails or betrays.
God’s LOVE is more powerful than anything anywhere.
When we invite Jesus into our heart to begin a relationship with God, we are instantly and forever secure in his LOVE.
I acknowledge that God knows all about my struggle with fear. Then I ask him to give me strength to move boldly against my FEARS by embracing his LOVE. To help me turn to him immediately when fear attacks so I can gain his power to mount a counterattack with HIS LOVE.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
What do you fear right now? Have you attacked that fear with GOD’S LOVE?
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
