Perfect Love drives out fear!

1 John 4:18

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.

If you were to ask most of the people who know me well, fearful would not be a word they would use to describe me. In fact, recently I was told that I am brave and courageous. I don't feel that way. Brave is not where I am right now. I feel so far from brave at this moment that I am not even sure what it look likes. At this moment I feel like I have taken my eyes off the cross of Jesus and fear has planted itself deep in my heart. So deep that there are moments when I feel as if I can't really breathe. It is affecting my life; it is affecting my friendships.

I had an amazing revelation today at the dog park of all places. For those of you who know and love Maddie the wonder dog, you know that she has her moments. Today was no exception. When she was close to me at the park all was fine in her world. She felt protected and safe and acted like a normal dog. However, once or twice I got out of her sight range and she cowered and even became a little aggressive. She wasn't sure where to go, how to act, or what to do. During one of those moments I felt like God hit me on the back of the head and said, "That is what you are like when you get too far from me!"

I realized that as long as I am staying close to my creator that I feel the freedom to be who I am designed to be. There is a sense of peace in my heart that all is right in my world. Even in the midst of total chaos I don't have to worry because I know that he will protect me. Just like Maddie knew that she didn't have to worry about the bigger dogs when mom was around, I know that my Heavenly Father will take care of all that life throws at me. His perfect love towards me drives out all of my fears.