ANXIETY AND CONFIDENCE!

ANXIETY AND CONFIDENCE!

1 John 4:18

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.

1 John 5:4

4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

          Specifically, John is talking about our confidence at the Judgment Seat of Christ. If we live our lives in love with Jesus; if we include Him in all that we do then there should be no fear at that day. Anecdotally, there is much more in these verses.

          Suppose you are presented with a choice between two unsatisfying choices. I often say that the lesser of two evils is still evil. We press ahead by educating ourselves as much as is possible and then we cast our vote by faith. Faith is the source of victory. Faith overcomes the fearful world. Faith enables us to make hard choices and to resign ourselves to the outcome of that choice.

          Saint Augustine said: “Anxiety has its use, stimulating us to seek with keener longing for that security where peace is complete and unassailable.” If it is true that most people live in quiet desperation, then we easily understand Augustine’s statement. Whether you call it ambition or dissatisfaction the feeling is the same.

          Faith in the nature of God keeps us pressing on. God is too wise to be mistaken and too good to be unkind. This we learn through our daily relationship with Him. This alone brings calmness of spirit.

Job 22:21

21 Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.

Dear Lord, settle my uneasy spirit. Let me enjoy peace by loving you more. AMEN