There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” –1 John 4:18
Is something coming up that you have anxiety about today? Or are you feeling some sidelines of “fear” creeping up inside? STOP! And read that verse up there! We are made in love, and perfect love has no fear – those that fear are not made in perfect love!
Let’s examine that verse for a moment. God knitted all of us inside our mother’s womb (Psalm 139) and knew us before we were born.
So- being that God formed us – we know we were created by our Creator King of the Universe – and therefore He is love, and He made us in love. Okay, that is simple enough to follow, correct?
Next – Those of us who fear are not from love? NO! That is not what it means, well – techinically.
See we are inherently called to trust in the LORD with all of our heart and soul – and He will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5-8) and He will give us health and peace. So that is what the loving is all about, trusting and surrendering to the LORD who is in full control of our lives.
However – He also made us with emotions. Now this is where it becomes a little bit of a conflict, and I confess I struggle with this myself. I’ve asked God to give me a sense of pure clarity to fully take on the meaning of His verse. If God made us perfect in love, which of course I believe, because He willed it to happen and formed us. And He made us with emotions – then how can we not “feel” the emotions of anxiety – or fear?
This is what the LORD showed me.
YES – we are made perfect in His love!
Yes – with perfect love there is no fear. Now this is the conclusion, stay with me here -Ready?
Yes- we can feel fear and anxiety all part of our complex mechanisms and emotions that comprise us as human beings. But we are to give “those emotions” over to the LORD and know in our heart of hearts that He will protect us from whatever we are dealing with – and He will guide us through it all.
So, when we feel those emotions- TRUST – GIVE IT TO HIM-and realize we will be taken care of. That in itself will allow the perfection of love which is what we are comprised of, to override the emotions of “fear and anxiety” knowing that the LORD is taking care of it.
See how that works? So, don’t beat up on yourself if you feel fear, and if you feel anxious about something. Doesn’t mean you are not being Christian, as some people like to “shame” others who feel these emotions – ready to point fingers saying “Christians don’t feel those things” – NOT TRUE.
How we precede after these emotions surface is what matters. How we handle it from that point in time is what matters. And trusting in God and asking for His divine help and surrendering to Him is how to go forward, and when we do – that verse is absolutely true overall.
“Father, thank You for Your love and perfection in all You do, I know and believe all of your promises and Holy Word,
So well written Camille. Even a child could understand that explaination about the feeling of fear. Thank you.
Awww, thank you so much Jennifer, Your encouragement is such a blessing.
God Bless you~