Shrinking fear

‘There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love.’ 1 John 4.18

In many ways this seems such a stark verse.  It lays out a clear reality: if you are aware of fear in your life, it may indicate an area where the love of God has not permeated.  The challenge, of course, is that we’re all likely to have such areas in our lives – but the good news is that there is more of God’s love to experience.

You probably don’t have to think too hard to identify an area of fear in your life!  As you think about it, what part of God’s love are you struggling to trust?  It may be that deep-down you doubt that he will be there for you, that he doesn’t love you as the person you are, or something completely different.  Try finding a promise from the Bible that counteracts whatever you are struggling to trust.  If you are fearful about being alone, for example, one of Jesus’ promises is that he will always be with you.  Whichever promise you choose, write it down, memorise it and for a few minutes repeat it until the words become natural.

By doing this, it’s likely that whenever your fear or anxiety surfaces, so will the promise.  At least now you have a choice about what claims your attention and what to focus on.

Worship can help you hang on to God through your fearful times. Listen to John’s meditation: www.healingmission.org/focusonhealing