Scripture
God is love. When we take up permanent residence in the life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear.
1 John 4:18 The Message
Spiritual Focus
“Not being in control brings fear. Remembering God’s in control brings peace.” Unknown Author
Devotion
A recent posting on Facebook drew a great deal of attention. The quote read, “Sometimes the fear won’t go away, so you just have to do it afraid.” The large number of people who responded to this statement constituted a not so subtle reminder that fear is something we have all experienced and, to a greater or lesser degree, tried to manage. Fear can be a protective mechanism in our fight-or-flight response to danger. But fear can also keep us locked in a “known”—as in status quo—situation that, even if it’s less than exciting or challenging, makes us feel complacent and safe. The process of identifying, confronting, and exploring our fears is a spiritual practice that might be the next beneficial step in our faith journey.
While it’s true that we may have to confront a situation even if we’re feeling anxious or frightened about it, Scripture promises that we’ll never be alone in this venture. God’s presence, which is ever with us, has the power to cast out our fears. Connecting with the Holy Spirit to experience the love that banishes all fear puts us in tune with our “God inklings”—with that “Holy itch,” some call a “God smack” that reminds us of the holy paradox that we live in God and God lives in us. Given that degree of interconnectedness, how could we possibly have anything to fear?
For some of us stepping onto our yoga mat for the first time produced fear, while for others getting quiet enough to come to a place of disclosure, and therefore of vulnerability, holds an element of anxiety. In that still place we just might find ourselves forced to confront uncomfortable truths that threaten to distance us from our relationship with God, issues we would much rather ignore. But as we practice remembering that God’s love is greater than all of our fears, as we find in our faith the confidence that love overcomes fear, our apprehensions will be banished, leaving peace in their wake.
Breath Prayer
Inhale All Love
Exhale No Fear
