The future? Of dying? Of losing your job or your home? Interestingly, I wrote this journal entry within weeks of discovering that, like so many others, I was about to loose both my job and have to sell my home. My daily bible reading fell upon 1 John 4:18, where the bible says in the first half of the verse, “perfect love casts out all fear.”
So why was I still afraid?
The answer, I found, was actually quite disturbing: I must not be experiencing the complete, perfect love of God. Almost immediately, I began to defend myself, “That’s not true! I love God, go to church, tithe, pray, lead Sunday School…” but wait a minute. Whose love are we talking about? Mine or God’s? The verse says perfect love casts out all fear. Since I’m not perfect, the verse is obviously referring to God’s love. And where does it say that God’s love is dependent on us, on our thoughts or our actions? Nowhere.
In the bible, the first mention of God publicly declaring His love for His Son occurred before Jesus began His ministry – the moment Jesus was baptized. No miracles had been performed, no healings had taken place, no memorable public speeches were made…just the simple act of baptism and suddenly, God tore through the clouds of heaven to declare His love for His Son to the world.
As a child of God, that same love He offers His Son, He offers to you. No more, no less. And just as Jesus had not yet done anything to ‘earn’ God’s love, so it is with you: God’s love for His children is not dependent upon what we do. His plan for your life and my life was firmly established before the creation of the world.
But then why was I still afraid? That’s when I read the second half of the verse, “If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love.” 1 John 4:18
Once again, I started to disagree: I’m not afraid of punishment, I’m just afraid I won’t find a job. However, after giving it some more thought, I realized: if you or I don’t believe God will take care of our basic needs when we know He has the power to do so, we must not be convinced of His perfect love for us, and if He doesn’t love us, we must have done something wrong to cause Him to withhold His blessings from us. In other words, we think we are being punished.
When facing various trials, do not be afraid to come before God. Confess any sin that may be hindering you from experiencing His holy presence. Then, as you draw closer to God, ask Him to give you the courage to trust in His perfect love.
“Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Is 41:10
Shadia Hrichi
If you’ve enjoyed this week’s devotional, I’d love your comments. To receive “Moments With God” via email, RSS or FaceBook, see box at top right.
Shadi- you say it so simply yet so beautifully! I enjoy your post. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Ann!