Fear, shame, doubt, worry – what do they all have in common? They are all negative responses to problems in life. Fear is about danger. Doubt is a fear you have or may have done something wrong. Worry is continually fearing the worst outcome. Shame is the feeling that you are wrong and worthy of punishment.

Today I was at a funeral and found myself worrying about things that were not my responsibility; what people might be thinking of me, and going over things from the night before. The thing that centered me was God’s Word and God’s love. I reminded myself that ‘all is well’ and that ‘God loves me’. The more I study the love God has for me, the less afraid I become.

“There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection].”1 John 4:18 AMP version

My desire is to be fully mature & secure in the love of God.His love heals my soul and calms my fears. How awesome is it anyway? That the God who made the sky wants to be with me and you, despite our shortcomings & failures & sin.