One of the primary issues in modern day life is the epidemic proportions of people suffering from anxiety and fear. Interestingly “Do not fear” is the number one command in the bible. Obviously God knew that we would be assaulted by the temptation to fear and “fear not” is mentioned over 365 times in His word. That’s because fear cuts us off from our life source and ability to really live, for when we give way to fear we are limited almost like if we suffered a dislocated limb. Our function, role and usefulness is hampered and we spend far too much of our time fighting to keep our head above water rather than living the life for which we were created to live and fulfilling our purpose and assignments in life.
Fear is when we actually agree with the devil who is our enemy and believe his lies instead of the truth of God’s goodness and kindness towards us. When we believe the lie we empower the liar. Perhaps more often we need to ask ourselves the question, “How would we treat a friend who lies to us as often as our fears do, and then deal with the lies appropriately and kick them out of our life.
Jesus described the devil in this way and named him for what he is; a liar and not someone to listen to or entertain. He said, “He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44)
“Do not fear”; it’s within reach by God’s grace to be victorious over fear. When He gives us a command He empowers and enables us to deal with that which has come against us. He doesn’t want us spending all our time and energy on fighting against fear but actually encourages us that it is far better to fight for something that overrides fear, which is love. Instead of inadvertently making the things we are afraid and anxious of bigger through focusing all our attention on them God teaches us to place our focus on the antidote to fear – love. God’s word says that “perfect love casts out all fear”, and to fix our eyes on His kindness and goodness. (1 John 4:18)
I’ve discovered that when I choose to lean into Jesus and discover and connect with His great love for me through encountering Him on a daily basis fear lifts and is replaced by love, which empowers me to live the life for which I was made for. It’s in just “hanging out” with Jesus and the reality of heaven and actually letting down my walls and safe – guards and inviting Jesus into my “space”, and by listening to His voice and experiencing His very real presence. That means taking time to stop and sit and turn my attention and on Him, and realising that if love casts out fear then I must connect with love more. He promises that “if we seek Him we will find Him if we seek Him with all our hearts.” (Jeremiah 29:13)
This love encounter is not connected to performance; on what I can do. It’s not about more meetings, bible reading, quoting scripture, fasting, more activity, breakthroughs in worship, or even being a good person; even though all those pursuits are admirable, but in simply slowing down and allowing Jesus to connect with me and to let me know how loved I am by Him. That He gave up everything for us so why would He not now give us freedom from fear and every other good thing.
“What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32)
Today take the time to connect with the ultimate source of love and abundant life. Don’t keep living in fear and reacting to circumstances and people around you based upon anxiety and fear, but rather let Jesus fill your heart with His love so that you can respond to the world around you in love and enjoy your day free from fear.
Have a listen to this song by Will Reagan called “lay it all down” to encourage you today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNacm6zR8eU
Prayer: Lord I give you all my fears and lay them all down for you to take care of. Please help me to connect with you and to know your love today. I choose to trust you with everything in my life because I know you are good. In Jesus name Amen.
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