As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. John 15:9 (NIV)
Love is my main meditation for the year. I thought the Lord placed this on my heart because He wanted to reveal His great love for me on a deeper level. Although this is true, there has also been a revealing of me. While unveiling His love layer by layer, the Lord is drawing me into the unfamiliar. As I respond to the Father’s love, it causes me to reassess my life and look at it through the eyes of His love.
The familiar is my security blanket. The familiar is a sure thing. I can count on the familiar; no surprises there. Although there is a longing deep within that wants to do more, that wants to experience more; I resigned myself to the familiar. Like so many, it has been fear that has kept my feet firmly stuck in the space of the familiar. Afraid to step into the unknown, I have played it safe.
However, when the Father began to reveal His unfailing love for me, one of the scriptures I began to meditate on was 1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.” Through this scripture, I realized that I could not very well claim that I believe/receive the Father’s perfect love if I continued living with fear. The remaining portion of 1 John 4:18 states, “The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” In John 15:9, Jesus tells us to “remain in my love.” Another translation reads “live within my love,” (TLB). If I live within His love, there is no fear in His love. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
1 John 4:18, in the NIV translation states, “perfect love drives out fear.” As I continue to mediate on the love and goodness of God, what I described earlier as His drawing me into the unfamiliar is truly His immersing me in His love and driving fear out. Understanding the protection and provision His love affords me has produced more trust and dependence on His love. To say the least, I am no longer comfortable continuing my familiar life.
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)
For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, Fear not, I will help you. Isaiah 41:13
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This is the anchor of Christianity. To miss this revelation leads to all kinds of emotional challenges. Sadly to say many believers are chasing for God instead of sitting at His feet to feed on His love. Perfect love truly cast out feat. I just shared this post on my Google plus. Shalom
McDaniels
http://www.graceology.org
It is my prayer that all of my Father’s children will “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18 Thank you for sharing my post with your readers. Love, peace & blessing!
Amen! He loves us!!
I remain/dwell in His love.
Thank You
As a dear friend of mine would say, “Wooorrrddd!” (o: This morning I awoke with anxious thoughts about all the things I had intended to do over the weekend but didn’t and the potential issues I would have this week because of my lapse. Sure enough, I heard my still small voice say “Meditate on My Love for you.” It did not take long for peace to begin to guard my heart and mind. He is as He has always been – Faithful and True.
As always what a great word. I too am too comfortable with the familiar. I am determined to step out of my comfort zone and push past the fear knowing my Father has me covered! Thank you and may God continue to bless you and use you to His glory!
Love it!!