In review of 1 John 4:18 it says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love casts out all fear” (NIV).
Today’s verse comes from 1 John 4:18, in it I learn that I need not have fear of someone who loves me perfectly; his perfect love for me eliminates all dread of what he might do to us. If I'm afraid, it is for fear of what he might do to me and shows that I am not fully convinced that he really loves me.
If I'm ever afraid of the future, eternity, or God's judgment, I can simply remind myself of God's love. I know that he loves me perfectly. I can resolve my fear by first focusing on his immeasurable love for me, and then by allowing him to love others through me. His love will quiet my fear and give me confidence.
Everyone has fears. My problem isn’t that I’m afraid. It’s what I do with the fear that really matters. Jesus tells me in John 8:32, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (NIV).
Two ideas I have come across that I can start with right now to get over fear.
First practice the presence of Jesus. Learn the habit of reminding myself every single moment of the day, “God is with me.” Practice talking to him all the time, when I’m walking down the street, getting into my car, or even taking a bath. When I do that, I’ll realize he’s always with me. I don’t have to “spend some time” with God. All my time can be “God time.” When I become aware of God’s presence in my life, fear will go away.
When God is near, I’ll lose my fear. Why? Because God is love, and the Bible says: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love casts out all fear” (1 John 4:18 NIV). The more I feel loved by God, the less I’ll fear.
Second, move against the fear. I can’t go around, over, or under fear. I must go straight through it. I need to do what I fear the most. That’s called faith. I need to open the door of the closet and see for myself that the bogeyman isn’t as big as I thought he was.
Fear is always worse than reality. The fear of failure is worse than failure. Failure is no big deal. I just get up and start over. The fear of rejection is worse than rejection. The fear of embarrassment is worse than embarrassment. Why? Because the fear goes on for hours and days and years. Fear is “False Evidence Appearing Real.” Fear is a fake.
These solutions won’t just help me deal with fear. I can use them to help others, too. Pass these principles on to them.
In summary, I do not need to fear someone who loves me perfectly. If I'm afraid, it for fear of what he might do to me and shows that I am not fully convinced that he really loves me. I can simply remind myself of God's love, for he loves me perfectly. I can resolve my fear by first focusing on his immeasurable love for me, then by allowing him to love others through me. It's what I do with fear that really matters. So I can practice the presence of Jesus, reminding myself that God is with me. I don't have to spend some time with God, all of my time can be God time. Secondly I need to move against and go straight through it. I need to do what I fear the most. This is called faith. Fear is always worse than reality. Failure is not a big deal, I just get up and start over.
Thank you for the reminder to focus on Jesus and reminding myself constantly that you are with me. I pray that you help me take any fears I have and move forward not fearing failure. If failure happens then I just pick myself up and start over. I also pray for your wisdom and guidance for my activities today, my leadership and my interaction with others. These things I pray in your Son Jesus name, amen.
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