cast out fear

I have this fear. This fear that people will reject me, or not like me, or like other people more than me. This fear that I need to earn people's love to stay in their good graces. This fear that causes me to believe lies about others and lies about myself, sometimes even lies about my Savior.

No one wants to live in fear. I believe fear is not something that was in God's original plan. There was no fear in the garden of Eden. Adam and Eve were naked and unashamed. They didn't have any reason to fear or distrust the other until sin entered the picture and they felt like they had to cover themselves with fig leaves.

But before sin, there was no fear. And the Lord says in His word that there is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18 I believe the word of God to be true, and I believe these words, but do I live like I do?

Sadly, no. Sometimes, maybe. But more often than not, this fear of rejection sits in the back of my mind, sometimes dictating my decisions, my motives, my thoughts, without me even realizing it is there.

But go back to that verse for a second... perfect love casts out fear. The only love I know out there that is perfect is that of God the Father and His Son, Jesus. His love is perfect. His love will never reject me. I am His for eternity. I never have to worry about being in or out of His good graces because where my sin increased, His grace abounded all the more. Romans 5:20. Because His grace is sufficient for me. 2 Corinthians 12:9. And because it is BY His grace that I have been saved, through faith. Ephesians 2:8.

So you see, I have no "real" reason for these fears. Nothing that any person can do or say to me will ever change how Jesus feels about me. And His opinion is all that matters, in this life and the next. Because I am convinced, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39.

I want to encourage you with this truth. Because I know I am not the only one who struggles and wrestles with this. Jesus Christ loves you. And He wants to have an intimate relationship with you. And though I struggle with these things, I can have peace.

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27

For this, I have Jesus.
lisa