Perfect Love Can Conquer Fear
I hobbled my way to Stake Conference on Sunday. My leg was still pretty sore, but I did not want to miss it. I love to hear the messages, and be uplifted. I decided we would just find an empty room so I could put my feet up, and we could all listen. It worked out great. I even brought a pillow. Daniel helped me slowly limp from the car to the room, and back. I sure am grateful to have kids with such strength.
The kids walked around and colored, and kept Henry mostly quiet so we could hear. I was able to hear all the talks, and take some notes. As I was listening to a talk, a message came to my mind. It was not a message that was spoken, but one that was felt in my heart.
I had been having a hard time with feelings of fear lately, especially in the night. I just sometimes get worried about the future, and what is to come. I am not only concerned for my family, but for our country, and even the world. There is so much contention in the world as of late, and it makes me sad that people are so very angry. I sense a climax coming, and I am not sure the results will have a positive effect on the hearts of the people. We live in strange, contentious, times. People love to contend against each other. People seem to thrive on debate. There is so much harshness, and so much hate. Looking back over history, these kind of times don't usually end well.
My heart had been considering this concerning reality, when the message was broadcast loud and clear to my mind:
"Perfect love casteth out all fear."
My heart swirled and felt instantly calmed, and comforted. I know it is true that perfect love can conquer fear. How beautiful is that? I felt within myself that I need to love more. I especially need to love and trust God more. Though the world is fraught with peril and contention, He is in control. If I cleave to Him, there is no need for me to be afraid of anything.
Fear is not of God; love is of God.
As Yoda said: "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering."
So many people are suffering. So many people suffer from the gnawing poison of fear, hate, and doubt. All I have to do is take a look at Facebook to have a glimpse into the anger that dominants the lives of so many. I see so much doubt and confusion, leaving people empty and without hope, or direction. This breaks my heart. People find it easier to cleave to the ways of the world, than the truths of the gospel.
I know life is not easy, and full of troubles, and peril; but it is also possible to create our own storm clouds that follow wherever we go. It is possible to take a disappointment and transform it into despair, just by our attitudes and decisions.
It is also possible to focus on what is good and hopeful, even in your darkest hours. It is possible to have a heart full of love, that can conquer all fear, and help you to fly, rather than fall. As we focus our hearts and love more on the God who gave us life, our perspective can change, and our hope can carry us through all of life's battles.
As for me, I am going to pray for it. I am going to pray to have my heart filled with a more perfect love. It really is the only way to get rid of fear. And I want to rid myself of fear, and fill myself with an even brighter faith.
These scriptures are a great reminder...
John 4:16-21
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
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.
20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
Love is powerful.
Let it fill your heart with hope and joy, and allow love to conquer your fears.
Beautiful post! I too have been feeling the weight of what is coming. There were some amazing conference talks that really helped me. As we pray and use the spirit as our guide, the Lord will bless us and we will be alright! <3
ReplyDeletei have felt similar lately seeing the world become more and more evil...it can feel scary. but in those moments i quickly remind myself that as evil as the world is right now, it is also just as good and righteous on the other end of the spectrum...opposition in all things. knowing that there is righteousness to combat the evil sets my mind at ease and the fear dissipates. there's no way evil can or will prevail in the end!! great post! :)
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