THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
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The hesitant driver, waiting for the freeway traffic to clear, came to a complete stop on the entrance ramp. The traffic thinned, but the driver, being intimidated, still waited.
Finally, a voice was heard from a car behind, "The sign says YIELD, not GIVE UP!"
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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.
KJV
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The person who lives in anxious fear does not live with God.
Apprehension/anxiety toward something brings "torment."
Reverential awe toward God brings peace.
And the latter "casts out" the former.
There are indeed fearful things in this world. Yet the Christian doesn't spend his life in anxiety and torment about those things. The Christian lives in love, and there is no room in his heart for anxiousness to take charge. "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:6-7)
Being filled with the "perfect love" of Christ keeps us from being filled with alarm. Having Christ, our souls are anchored in glory, and the tragedies of this present world cannot overcome that peace. "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"
(Phil 1:6)
The unconverted person runs in fear from difficulties. But the Christian stands firm, knowing that he abides in the presence, grace and mercy of God.
When you face fearful things, "stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day:" (Ex 14:13) Pray and sing praises to Christ our Lord and despondency, anxiety will fade away.
Love ya,
Bruce