FEAR HATH TORMENT!

FEAR HATH TORMENT!

1 John 4:18-19

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

19 We love him, because he first loved us.

           Captured by circumstances and imprisoned in the dungeon of fear we are often tortured by the cruel hand of doubt. Then the Lord of love comes with the keys of death and of hell to release us and set us free. All of us cower in fear about one thing or another.

           All fear is not bad. A well developed fear of danger is necessary for the preservation of life. We fear to cross a super highway filled with traffic while on foot. It is not safe! Fear is appropriate at this time because it prevents presumptive boldness.

           A firm trust in and love for God casts out fear as an intruder. Trust in the provision of a benevolent God casts out the fear that we might suffer a lack of supplies. Yet God has promised provision according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19) A fear of death challenges the promise of God in Psalm 23:4 which acknowledges death only as a shadow. A firm trust in God causes us to “fear no evil” because God is present.

Ps 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

Dear Lord, for all your children who fear today please replace their fear with love and trust. AMEN