As a progressive, I believe there are many names for God and many ways to God – this article reflects one of those ways. Take from here what works for you. Celebrate life with joy and peace!
Love is a many splendored thing!
This is part two in this three-part series on MCC Love Stories. We began by looking at the topic of “learning how to love.” This week we are talking about the power of love – in that perfect love has the power to cast out all fear!
I’ve put together a compilation of Joyce Meyer devotionals to help create this sermon series on MCC Love Stories. I’m sure she’d be glad to know she’s contributing to a vibrant, inclusive and progressive church – passionately sharing the Good News of God’s inclusive love to all people.
Let me ask you all some questions:
Does anyone here ever experience fear or insecurity? What about the fear of lack? Are you worried God won’t come through for you?
I’ve been there too!
There have been times when I’ve worried so much that I literally got sick! Or it kept me awake – tossing and turning all night – waking up in a cold sweat. Or even taking a shower, the thoughts and worries and fears invaded my privacy.
We worry about so many things – our past, our future, our finances, what people think about us. And when we can’t get our mind off of our problems, we find ourselves in a place of “utter torment.”
I’ve got good news for you! You don’t have to fear that God doesn’t love you, or that God won’t come through for you in your time of need. All we need to do is learn to accept the reality of God’s love for us – so that our fears don’t control us!
I John 4:18 says that perfect love casts out fear. Not just certain fears, but all fear!
If you’re afraid of the future, if you’re afraid of facing a person or a situation in your life, God’s love can help you put your fears to rest.
At one point in our lives, we all fight insecurity. Joyce Meyer talks about a cure for insecurity. She says, “Because I had been abused in my childhood and was fearful of being hurt or taken advantage of, I became very insecure. And I spent many years trying to control everything and everyone in my life.”
She goes on to say, “Instead of trying to control and manipulate people, I needed to learn to trust God, pray and believe that God would do what was best for me at the right time. Most of all, I needed to abide in God’s love.”
I John 4:16 points out that we could be conscious of God’s love. God’s love can be more than just a biblical fact for us … we can experience it daily!
Have you ever thought: “OK God, where are you?” Sometimes it feels as if God doesn’t even exist in the midst of our pain. If you’ve ever felt that, here’s something you can try.
Begin to keep a journal of the things God does in your life that you think show God’s love to you. No matter how small those things are. Write them down.
When people give you things, record it. When you feel like you’re shown favor in situations, record it. When God answers prayers and does things for you that you’ve requested, record it.
This process can help you become conscious of God’s love – and then healing will begin. The powerful love of God is the cure for insecurity.
Another major fear people face is the fear of lack. The fear that your needs won’t be enough – that there just isn’t enough – that God won’t come through for you in time.
Maybe you’re in a situation where you’ve never been before, facing all kinds of responsibilities and unknowns. You may have needs that are beyond your resources and fear is knocking on your door telling you you’re not going to make it. Maybe you feel like nobody else cares.
Well, I’ve got more good news for you! God cares for you!
In Hebrews 13 we read that God will never leave you or forsake you! Even when it seems that absolutely nothing is happening in your life, God is working on your behalf. Friends, I believe God has a plan for you – for each and every one of us … and it’s a good plan!
Let God’s perfect love cast out the fear that God doesn’t see you. Or that God has forgotten you. Or that you don’t have enough. Or that you won’t succeed. Or that you’ll never find someone (as you’re being reminded of the fact that you may be lonely during this series on Love Stories!)
(I’ve heard Valentine’s Day also be called Singles Awareness Day. Oh, I’ve celebrated sad many times! He he)
Remember, nothing can separate you from the love of God – nothing – absolutely nothing.
God loves you with an everlasting love.
That love is perfect; though we may fail, God never does.
Let God’s perfect love cast out the fear in your life.
Amen.
