It has been said that Love and Fear are the two root emotions from which we build the rich tapestry of what we are feeling at any given moment. Throughout scripture we read “Do not be afraid!” and “Do not fear!”; time and time again we are encouraged not to listen to fear, not to allow it to decide for us, control us or dominate how we approach our lives with each other or with God.
Fear is a horrible monster that wishes to invade our hearts. I am not talking about the healthy kind of fear that urges you to stay away from the edge of the cliff, or even the better judgement kind of fear that convinces you that reinstalling Windows may just be a waste of time. I want to call out “a spirit of fear”, the kind that whispers “you are alone, God does not care in any event, you can only rely on yourself, your intellect and five senses”. This dark creature will use anything at its disposal to entrap you in “what-if’s” and a host of reasons why you should not venture out into a life of trust that requires real faith. Walls will be built, barriers that you do not believe you can venture outside of. And so millions live out their days, thinking they are free, but subtly controlled and contained by a worldview based upon fear.
Only Perfect Love drives out fear, and God is love (1 John 4:16-18). Love is inviting you to come, to have your fear removed day by day as you choose to walk with Him. Love will shine light upon the walls of fear and show you that they are paper thin, that the barriers never had any power, that you are free. Love will bring peace where fear tried to create anxiety, joy where fear attempted to instil discouragement, and unity where fear tried to divide. Paul contrasts the spirit (no caps) of slavery to fear with the Spirit (caps) of sonship, by which we cry “Abba, Father” (Rom 8:15).
Have a look at the decisions you have made over the past week. Were they predominantly motivated by love, or has fear again attempted to leave its thumbprint on your journey? As you venture into the final quarter of 2009, know that you are a beloved son or daughter, and that your Father wants to replace every remnant of fear that you may be carrying by Love, by Himself.
Do not be afraid!
WS
Yes, I reckon we are dealing with a stalker who feeds on difficult circumstances to sow unbelief and pride, with their children doubt, anger, rebellion and all manner of other turmoil of the soul. It is amazing how love drives this away – it is both an antidote and an inoculation, but also so much more.
This seems such a simple concept but it lies at the root of everything we believe. Its so subtle. We need "CSI" to look at the fingerprints on our lives and see how often fear has wandered in and out without ever being challenged.
Yes, I reckon we are dealing with a stalker who feeds on difficult circumstances to sow unbelief and pride, with their children doubt, anger, rebellion and all manner of other turmoil of the soul. It is amazing how love drives this away – it is both an antidote and an inoculation, but also so much more.