Fear

"Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and merciful. He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant. He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations. The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever." Psalm 111

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love." 1 John 4:18

Have you ever been afraid? I know that I have been on more occasions than I want to admit. Recently I've been thinking that fear is not necessarily a bad thing if it's fear of the right thing or in the Biblical case the right person.  At the same time how we deal with that fear is important.  Does it drive us to the One who is able to "cast out fear" with perfect love?  Does it focus our attention on growing more and more in love with Him?  If the fear we experience is doing that then we have it in the right perspective.  If it is making us cower and pull back with have lost sight of Him.  Be afraid...very afraid...and run to Him.  He is perfect love and He will cast out the fear.  LGLO,  Pastor Peter