But the angel reassured her, saying, “Do not yield to your fear, Mary, for the Lord has found delight in you and has chosen to surprise you with a wonderful gift.
Luke 1:30 (TPT)
Recently I have been meditating on God’s peace and its opposite, fear. For a variety of reasons, this season has been particularly stressful, and by that I mean it has given opportunity for me to feel afraid. But in the midst of this, during times of worship and prayer, I keep getting the impression not only that there is no reason to fear but also there is an entire world out there free from its tyranny.
We often use fear to keep ourselves safe and are told just as often fear is a good thing, that we should live lives governed by fear. But it is striking how often God tells us not to be afraid: the angel before the shepherds,1 the angel with Mary,2 Jesus before Peter,3 Jesus before the disciples in the midst of the storm,4 Jesus before the synagogue ruler who has been told his daughter has just died but Jesus promised to heal,5 and Jesus before all of us, telling us we are worth more that a great number of sparrows, each of which does not go unnoticed in the sight of God.6 Is it possible fear is an inferior way to govern our lives?
Scripture says we as believers have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light, that he has adopted us as his children so that his tremendous love would cascade over us, for the same love he has for Jesus he has for us.7 We now live in a kingdom where love is the currency, and perfect love casts out fear. Indeed, the one who fears has not been made perfect in love. The perfect human, then, is not one who uses fear to keep themselves safe. That may have been useful to our former way of life, but God has now made possible a life without fear.
A life without fear does not mean we do whatever we want (walking off a cliff comes to mind!). It is a question of what governs us. We are now governed by his love, not just in principle but in practice through the power and leading of the Holy Spirit. And that means we no longer need to be ruled by fear. Wherever we find ourselves anxious, stressed out, or otherwise afraid, it is an opportunity for God’s love. Do not try to overcome fear; allow God’s love to overcome it for you. Ask God today for a deeper revelation of his love in your life, that you might take advantage of the full inheritance you have received through his precious blood.
And yes, I am speaking to myself 🙂
Photo by Julian Hanslmaier on Unsplash
D. Patrick Collins 