1 John 4:18New International Version (NIV)
18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
I have been meditating on this verse for a few weeks now. I’ve been reminded of how we are to be solely dependent on our Father for everything. A child-like dependency that allows us to completely surrender everything. A complete surrender of me.
It took me to a place where I was reminiscing about my little girl and made me review how much she is dependent upon me. I remember when Niomi was a baby. There wasn’t anything she could do without me. She needed mama for every single thing. There I was meeting all of her needs. No matter what it was, I was there providing for her and meeting her right where she was. That is where the love affair began for her and I. At some point, Niomi came to a place of realization and recognition of my love for her and therefore fell in love with me. She realized that I was fighting daily on her behalf to provide for her and ensure there was no lack. Yes, I am her mother and these are things I am supposed to do, it is my role in her life. But before Niomi understood who I was and that she came from me, so, therefore, it is my “job”, she understood first that this woman (me) who hangs around every day, just does these things and is always there. She (me) must care, she (me) must love me. Because I first loved her, she returned that love back to me. Not out of obligation, but out of pure dependency. There was a trust and a bond developed through depending on me. She cried, I was there.
It’s not so much different with our Daddy. We cry, He is there!!! He is there to wipe every tear from our eyes. To console us, hold us, feed us, swaddle us, cradle us, protect us, rear us, guide us, dress us, change us, teach us how to walk, teach us how to talk, teach us how to share, teach us how to laugh, and teach us how to love. When we solely and wholeheartedly depend on Him and Him alone, we build our faith and trust in Him. Just as with every feeding and diaper change, Niomi came to know that I will always be there, we will come to know, God will always be there. Therefore, fear cannot abide! Fear has to flee, it cannot stay when perfect love is on the scene! Why? Because we know He is HERE! He is in our NOW! He is in our PRESENT situation! He is there ready to meet us where we are. Knowing how much God loves us, removes all fear.
Give up everything to God with a child-like dependency on only Him, so you may live in perfect love with your Daddy!
Be blessed.
Sincerely,
Nona A. Phinn
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