Dear Fear

Perfect love drives out fear. (1 John 4:18)

Here is a word of encouragement from the Lord that I am sure will help us all deal with the fears we face from time to time. Now, I should tell you right up front that I am not using the word “Dear” as a term of endearment for fear; rather, I am using it to indicate the life-long, intimate relationship that you and I have with it.

We all feel the presence of fear from time to time; it is one of the enemy’s most potent weapons in his siege against us. That is one of the reasons why we must keep God’s Word hidden in our hearts and remember the countless passages of Scripture that instruct and inspire us to refuse to bow down to the demands of whatever fear we are currently facing. Here are just a handful of those verses:

• The Lord is my light and salvation – whom shall I fear? (Psalm 27:1)
• I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)
• So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. (Isaiah 41:10)
• Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid, just believe.” (Mark 5:36)

Christian, fear and faith simply cannot co-exist. And that is why we must read from God’s love letter to the fears that try to weaken our faith: because the perfect love that has been given to us by God in Christ Jesus drives out every fear. I have only shared a very few of the many passages of Scripture that are designed drive fear from our hearts. Take some time to find more of them, which is one of the best ways to face your fears. Meditating on and marinating in the Word of God every day is the surest way to slay our fears.

Are you facing any fears today? Here is a mental note for you to remember when fear rears its ugly head –

Dear Fear,

I will not let you fracture my faith today.

I will not let you slay my strength today.

I will not let you prosecute my peace today.

I will not let you hollow out my hope today.

I will not let you retard my rest today.

Because greater is the power in me than any fearful power that can come against me.

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!