Casting Out Fear

1 John 4:18 says that perfect love casts out fear. It also says that those who fear have not been made perfect in love. I can confess that I have obviously not been made perfect in love. I can also say that I am sick and tired of being scared.

Last night at church the invitation was for those who had burdens that they wanted to be rid of. I instantly was swept away by emotion. I have been burdened by fear for too long. I hate being scared of the unknown or unsure. It is illogical really.

I do feel like I am in decent company however. We can read stories of disciples and missionaries who started their journey's with much fear. 

I read a few weeks ago this quote: "You aren't afraid of the dark; you are afraid of what's in it. You're not afraid of heights; you are afraid of falling. You aren't afraid of the people around you; you're afraid of rejection. You're not afraid of love; your afraid of loving and not being loved in return. You're not afraid to try again; you're afraid of getting hurt again the same way." I am tired of what I am afraid of no matter what it really is.

But how do I do this? I believe the answer lies in 1 John 4:18... my fears can only be conquered by perfect love. Perfect love is not anything of my human understanding. Ten verses earlier in 1 John 4:8 says that God is love. God is the only cure for chronic fear. I must trust...