Confronting and Casting Out the Fear

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18 (New King James Version)

What is it you fear and what form of protection are you depending upon to calm that fear? The past couple of days have found me pondering the deep embedded fears of abandonment, rejection, and being forgotten. John has it right when he states that fear involves torment. As the mind becomes consumed with the gymnastics of tortured thoughts, we can often find ourselves living in a state of hopelessness, dread, and insecurity. If not dealt with, we can then find ourselves shifting to a mode of self protection in order to avoid what feels like an approaching storm or derailment from our tracks of safety.

I have several methods of self protection when I feel a need to safe guard a relationship. The temptation can run high to shut down my heart, go into a pretend mode, admit only to what sounds good and looks good, distract myself with music and books, jump through the hoops I perceive others are expecting of me, or deceive myself into thinking if I don’t say it then it doesn’t exist. Yet, God wants me to know that such behavior is not driven by love or His Spirit, but rather by the false notion that if acted upon I can avoid hurt, disappointment, and any other pain that comes from living in a fallen world. If I allow my fears and flesh to dictate my interactions or lack of actions with the people in my life the result will be more torment.

God’s answer? Live in His love. Acknowledge it. Delight in it. Allow it to be my starting point and rock of security. Unite and acquaint myself with the truth that what I need in the way of assurance and safety come only from knowing a sense of being loved by Him. Not simply tolerated but intimately and passionately loved. Accepted. Nurtured beyond every need to be cared for. It is love like that which will drive out the fears that others think the worst of me, have forgotten me, are merely tolerating me, or have grown tired of me. It is love like that which will change me from wanting love from others to demonstrating love to others.

I take these thoughts into a weekend retreat of solitude with my Father and God who invites me to know Him better and hear His heartbeat. It is His intent that I rest in His love, find security in Him, and begin once again to feel safe. Today’s verse is my starting point.

Father, like the waves of the ocean, the billows of fear continue to hit me with force and frequency. You and You alone are my shelter and rock of security. Thank you that Your love casts out fear and sets me free. Amen.

Voice of Truth - Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuH1faTC22E&feature=related

"Facing some of life's challenges may require a 'leap of faith,' where we walk forward with only our faith and trust in the Lord to lead us. It will require all the heart and soul we have to act, to move, to reach out and grasp handholds the Lord will extend to us in times of extremity."
~Barbara W. Winder