Fear and worry are common in our society today. And people seem to worry and be afraid about the simplest things. The other day I was talking to a friend about some pictures she needed to get framed. She said she had taken them to the frame shop three times, but had never left them to be framed because she was afraid she would make the wrong choice of frames. She had finally left them on her fourth visit, but was now afraid to go pick them up.
I used to worry a lot. I was afraid to talk to people; I was even afraid to leave my house. I remember having a panic attack at a traveling Smithsonian exhibit because I lost sight of my husband. In retrospect, it was silly to be afraid because I knew where our car was, I had the keys, and I knew the way home. Plus I knew he was there somewhere. But fear gripped me anyway.
This kind of fear and worry do not come from God. They are lies of the evil one. The apostle John wrote: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:16. When we know and understand God’s love, there is no need to fear. Even in our most difficult trials, He has won for us the ultimate victory through His love and sacrifice. In the words of the old hymn, “Though the devil may ruin, though trials may come, It is well with my soul.”
But how do we avoid fear and worry in a world that caters to and preys on these emotions? The answer is given to us in 1 Peter 5:7, which is the basis of this poem:
On 1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety
On Him.
All?
Yes, all.
Keep none for yourself.
Why would He
Want all my anxiety?
Because
He cares for you.
Why would I
Want to give it away?
Because
Then you will know
Peace and freedom
For your soul.
God’s perfect love has driven out fear from my heart. I pray He will do the same for you.