Few things are as debilitating to the human psyche as fear. Once fear grips a persons mind and heart it is difficult for that person to ever again live without it.
Many people fear a variety of things ranging from the reality of their lives, to personal contact with strangers and failure in one’s vocation and/or intimate relationships.
Fear causes people to sometimes display bizarre behavior, turn to mind altering prescription and/or illegal drugs and in severe cases many retract from life altogether.
Fear does not discriminate between gender, color, race, creed or socioeconomic status. To live in fear is a desperate existence and has claimed the lives of many.
The source of fear is directly related to one’s lack of faith in the God of the Bible. John the beloved disciple writes in 1 John 4:18-19, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.”
If you are reading this and are one whose life is dominated by fear you may be thinking to yourself there is no hope for me because I know that I cannot love perfectly. To that I respond, you are correct! But now let me explain to you what John means by the saying, perfect love.
For it is God who loves us perfectly. His love is based on His will. His love is based on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ which has been accomplished once and for all.
His Love is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. In short, once God’s love truly enters your life His love for you will never change no matter what you have done or will do.
The only question that must be asked is do you believe that God can love you perfectly and will therefore uphold and protect you with His mighty hand? When the waves of fear surround you are you willing to humble yourself and cling to God’s perfect love and receive His peace?
Paul writes to the Philippian Church in Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
If you are one of millions living behind the curtain of fear, get on your knees right now, humble your heart before the Prince of Peace, and ask Him to give you His peace which is beyond comprehension.
In closing, I am reminded of the words our Lord spoke to His disciples before his crucifixion, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you.” And He will give it to you too, all you must do is ask.
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