There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because He first loved us.
- 1 John 4:18-19
Devotional
I let my fears rule my life and my emotions far too much. When instead, I should be putting my trust in God, the one who takes away all fear and replaces it with hope and strength. Without God I would still be lost, with Him He guides me through the wilderness and leads me to better tomorrows. Because there are better tomorrows to come, you are not going to be stuck in this rut forever. Believe that He is opening and closing doors to better your life and spiritual state. Trust that He will take away all your fears by helping you conquer them as He holds your hand and cheers you on the whole way through them.
"Because there are better tomorrows to come, you are not going to be stuck in this rut forever."
I believe I came back to this study at the right time. I wrote this statement because ruts are very common in my life. Whether in my faith or my writing career - I face them. But God is still there through every rut and lost feelings. You'll get through it!
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus experienced an overwhelming amount of human emotions only hours before his execution. But even though God tempted him with fear, Jesus did not run away from his destiny to save the world from our sins.
Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and He told His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be deeply distressed and horrified. Then He said to them, “My soul is swallowed up in sorrow — to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake.” Then He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, “Abba, Father! All things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” - Mark 14:32-36
Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. Being in anguish, He prayed more fervently, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground. When He got up from prayer and came to the disciples, He found them sleeping, exhausted from their grief. “Why are you sleeping? ” He asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation.”- Luke 22:43-46
As 1 John 4:18-19 states, “There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear,” God’s perfect love drove Jesus’ fear out just like He drives out ours to this day. We do not have to fear our fears because God drives them out of us with love and guidance. Trusting Him is our greatest weapon against the bad and the ugly in this life.
"Trusting Him is our greatest weapon against the bad and the ugly in this life."
For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. - 2 Timothy 1:7
God doesn't want us to be fearful. He wants us to feel safe.
My Story Tie-in
Too many times, I have let my fears control my life and emotions to the point where I panicked. In my activity for this devotional, I talk about my fears (driving, my exes, social outings, being comfortable being me, and not being good enough), which isn’t easy to share but necessary for growth and healing. My second biggest fear is not being good enough and I have let that affect my mind and mood far too much in the last seven years, which is not okay.
Not being good enough comes in many forms, but I can rest easy knowing that I will always be good enough for God. Even when a guy breaks my heart, a mean girl stabs me in the back, or someone talks bad about me - I know God still loves every hair on my head and attitude and mood change. Every time I feel like damaged goods, He has been there to remind me that even though I am broken, I am still beautiful and strong ( Ps. 139:14).
You are never alone!
"I am fearfully and wonderfully made." ~ Ps. 139:14
Activity:
I challenge you to answer the activity below and see how you can change how your fears affect you!
"Don’t allow fear to keep you from becoming the person God created you to be."
List some things that give you fear:
Driving, my exes, social outings, being comfortable being me, not being good enough.
Imagine how different your life may look without those fears in place:
I wouldn't be as tense all the time. More happy days than sad ones.
What are some practical things you can do to alleviate fear?
Pray a lot! Talk to others and a therapist! Don't let fear take control!
My Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank you for laying this topic on my heart even though it likes to tear me down at times. Thank you for giving me the courage to face my fears even when it is hard to. Give whoever reads this strength to face their fears and that you are there with them. Help us fight comfort in knowing that you have your hand over any fear that tries to take us down. That you are working everything out for our good. That you are guiding our steps and our hearts to better tomorrows. That these lost feelings we could be facing will ease and the fog will clear. Thank you for your many blessings. I love you.
Amen.
“Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)” by Chris Tomlin
My strength is in your name
For you alone can save
You will deliver me
Yours is the victory
Whom shall I fear?
Listen to the Fears & Failures Devotional Playlist: Here.
Scriptures: 1 John 4:7-19; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46; Psalms 139; 2 Timothy 1:6-7.