“There is NO FEAR in love; because PERFECT LOVE CASTS (ballō: to throw) OUT FEAR, because fear involves torment. But he who fears HAS NOT been made PERFECT in love.” (1 John 4:18) God’s agapaō love is perfect.
Many people suffer considerably in their thoughts and are plagued by fear. They are plagued by the fear of man, fear for the future, fear of change in their daily life, etc. In this state their inner life is always IN TURMOIL, because “fear involves torment” and often because of external things. However, the apostle John writes clearly that perfect love “CASTS OUT FEAR!”
David prayed, “Yea, though I WALK THROUGH (with Jesus we will always go through) the valley of THE SHADOW (remember it’s only a shadow) OF DEATH, I WILL FEAR NO EVIL; FOR YOU ARE WITH ME (“I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Heb. 13:5); Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely GOODNESS and MERCY shall FOLLOW ME ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD FOREVER.” (Psalms 23:4-6)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham