WHEN LOVE GETS LOUDER — PART 1

Fear is part of being human, but it was never meant to tell us how to live. In this series, we'll look honestly at the voice of fear while discovering again the Perfect Love that draws us toward Himself.

Where Do You Run When You're Afraid?

Running Toward The One Who Loves Us

“I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” — Psalm 34:4 NLT

Fear Wants To Move Us

Fear is designed to move us. It can push us toward fighting, fleeing, freezing, hiding, controlling, or reaching for anything that promises safety.

Scripture gives us plenty of examples.

Saul's fear increasingly drove him toward control and the protection of what he feared losing. Peter knew fear too. He denied Jesus three times and then carried the painful knowledge of what he had done.

But Peter's story didn't end there.

Peter Jumped

After the resurrection, the disciples were fishing when Jesus appeared on the shore.

John recognized Him first: “It is the Lord!”

Peter jumped into the water towards Jesus.

The same Peter who had denied knowing Jesus was now swimming toward the One who knew everything about him. He didn't clean himself up first or wait until his shame disappeared.

Something stronger than fear was drawing him toward Jesus.

Love.

Fear Drives, Love Draws

Fear still tries to drive us toward isolation, control, anger, addiction, people-pleasing, or whatever promises a little protection from what frightens us.

Love draws us somewhere entirely different.

David said, “I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” He turned toward the One whose heart he had learned to trust.

Toward The Shepherd

Fear may still speak, but it doesn't get to choose our direction.

When I'm afraid, Abba isn't disappointed in me or waiting for me to become more courageous.

His Love is already drawing me closer, reminding me that I am known, held, and never facing what frightens me alone.

Fear drives. Love draws. And Love will always draw us toward Home.

Reflection

Where does fear try to drive me?

What have I been reaching for to make myself feel safe?

Where is Love drawing me today?

Prayer

Abba Father, when fear speaks, help me recognize Your Love drawing me closer. Let Your heart become the safest place I know. Amen.