1 John 4: 18
There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.
God is love (1 John 4: 8). There is no fear in love. By this I know there is no fear in God. Fear is a nasty, awful thing. The King James version reads, “fear has torment.” Isn’t it true? Fear is crippling. It prevents people from enjoying their lives. That is in contradiction to what God wants for us. God is love and loves each of us. He wants us to have a good life. Jesus is good news, not torment.
I like what Jesus said about himself in John 10:10 NIV, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” Torment interferes with his mission. John gave us this good news so that we could navigate life’s challenges. Because of his intimacy with Christ and the many revelations Jesus gave him, his words are able to act as a guide for us. So, when we are confronted with fear, the first thing we can do is to reassure ourselves that the torture of fear is not Father’s intention for us. Knowing that, we may ask ourselves how we can be free of it. The first answer is always the Bible. What does the Bible say about our situation? There are 300 verses in the New Testament alone which speak about fear. Does that sound like a lot to sort through? Use the Ivey Ministry website to help you synthesize what they mean to you. I have written on fear many times because it is something with which we all wrestle. Then, take these verses, and what you have gleaned from them, to God in prayer. Even ask Jesus and the Holy Spirit to lead you in your prayers. God will answer you because it is His will that you live free.
Fear is not of God and has no right to disrupt and hinder your life. God has the power to free you but, as is always the case, we must open our arms and heart to His ministrations. We must invite Him to be a part of the solution. Remember, Yahweh is a gentleman. He will never overrun your will, even when it is to your advantage. That would make Him a bully and a controller. Jesus’ death insured our free will, and Father will not violate it.
As always, if you need help, Ivey Ministries is here for just that purpose. Email me or go to contact us.
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