To be wrapped in love is to be absent of fear. As scripture reminds us…
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
Why do we believers, struggle so much with focusing on punishment? If we live in the realm of perfect love, then we won’t be overly concerned with the fear of punishment. I don’t know about you, but I still sometimes wrestle with worrying about God punishing me. I am happy to report, though, that the struggles are far less frequent and much less intense.
Why is that? Well, because I’ve tasted so much of God’s affection for me. I’ve become convinced that not only does God love me, but He likes me too. He even dances over me and celebrates me. His love is the driving factor for my entire life. When I feel the fear of man or rejection begin to breathe down my neck, I come to a full stop. I detach from that lie and return to the truth of the Father. This has come through much practice, as I’ve been consistently getting delivered from fear of man and punishment.
This is a noble and worthwhile fight.
The fear of man can wrap around you and choke the life right out of you, if you’re not careful. Then you’ll just go through life based on works and appearances and become devoid of anything real. If you instead choose to be wrapped in love, you will find freedom that you never could have imagined! Within God’s covering of love callings can be discovered, authentic relationships can be built, years wasted in fear can be redeemed, He can trust you more. The bottom line is, it’s truly worth it.
Choose love, not fear. Learn to recognize your fear triggers and ask God to give you the strength to step back from them and choose love. You CAN do it!! I believe in you. You can learn to put on a full stop when faced with fears. You can learn to listen to God’s affirming voice, over the critical voice you may carry inside.
Prayer Moment: God, I invite You to become my everything. Every day I desire to give You more and more of myself. There is no place in my heart, mind and soul that I won’t allow You to enter and transform. You are welcome inside of me. Come and know me. Reveal Yourself to me. Teach me more of Who You are and more of who I am. I place my full trust in You. I will not be shaken. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will obey My teaching. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our home with him. HE who does not love Me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father Who sent Me. All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in my name, will teach You all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:23-27
365 Days in the Presence 