FEAR NOT
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” 1 John 4:18, ESV
Theme: The perfect love of God defeats all fear, worry, and anxiety.
LOVE LEADS TO GRIEF
My friend Richard lost his wife a few years ago. He has been leading the GriefShare support group for a while. He checked on me after the death of my father this August. We both were teary, talking about our loved ones and our sense of grief. Richard said, “Grief is the cost of love. If you didn’t love them, you wouldn’t feel this pain. But would you make that trade?” No. I would not. Love trumps fear every time.
VICTORY
It may seem strange to talk of death at Christmas time. But because Jesus was born, died, and rose again, there is no longer fear of death. That battle is won. The ultimate life struggle will have a glorious ending. There may be suffering and there may be pain. There definitely will be grief and loss. But God’s Word tells us that because of the Resurrection, believers do not “grieve as others do who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13b, ESV). This gift of eternal life is the promise of God. Jesus says, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades” (Revelation 1:17b-18, ESV).
PEACE IN HIS PRESENCE FOREVER
If you have not lost a dear friend or family member, you will. If you don’t know someone struggling with a debilitating, possibly fatal illness, be thankful. But if Jesus doesn’t return very soon, you will experience the helplessness and grief of death. Praise God that this life is not the end! Thank God that it is possible to have total healing, restoration, and peace in His Presence forever.
Make It Personal: On the day you experience the devastation of death and loss, you will not feel joy. But you can know joy and peace. You can remember and hold on to the promises: Jesus has conquered not only sin, but has vanquished death. Paul says the grave no longer has the sting or the victory…Jesus has won. On that day, draw close and remind yourself of the Everlasting Father, the Eternal King, Who came to earth as the promise of God, and won our victory over the grave.
Pray: King Jesus, Thank You for telling me not to have any fear, for assuring me You have conquered every enemy. Thank You that I am Yours forever and can find peace for all my fears in Your victories. I trust You. In Your Name I pray, Amen.
Read: 1 Corinthians 15:53-57; Revelation 1:12-18
Weekly Memory Verse: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27, ESV