We all have moments of intense fear and anxiety; often for good reason. This world is treacherous and hard. But the answer to fear given in Scripture surprises us.
The answer to fear is not to merely ramp up our faith or be braver. The answer to fear is the sovereign, perfect love of God in Jesus.
In 1 John 4:18, we read that “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.”
So the way to combat fear and anxiety of all kinds is to ground our hearts in the perfect loving care of God for those who follow Jesus. In Christ God has secured our ultimate salvation and promised to care for us through all life’s troubles, trials, sorrows, and sins. This reality is lightyears beyond and infinitely better than the platitudinous ways the unbelieving approach their fears.
Are you afraid and anxious today? There are many good reasons to fear. In Christ, we have many more and better reasons to not fear. Even in the greatest losses and crosses of or lives – when our children suffer; when those closest betray us; when the doctor returns with bad news; when we fail to make good on our own promises – there is only one way to deal with fear: by hoping wholeheartedly in the perfect love of Christ who, Himself, is sovereign, wise, and good.
It is our only comfort in life and in death.