9 January 2019 - beyond fear

Today's Readings

(Audio)

There is no fear in love,
but perfect love drives out fear

When we are tossed about by the waves we usually feel fear. Even if Jesus comes to us walking on the sea we can choose to see him in the context of the storm rather than to see the storm in the context of his presence. In our stormy circumstances we only have room for ourselves and the ghosts that are out to get us. But Jesus wants to cast this fear from our hearts.

It is not just subjective comfort experienced by us that casts out fear. It is rather the love of Jesus working in us that has the power to transcend our circumstances.

Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us,
and his love is brought to perfection in us.

Jesus reveals himself in us by the Spirit he pours into our hearts. This Spirit cries 'Abba, Father!' He bears the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in our lives.

What if we can't find evidence of the fruits of the Spirit in us? What if we still feel fear? Should we feel condemned? No. The point is not to think of ourselves differently but to think less of ourselves and to care more about love.

"Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less."

- CS Lewis

Yet there is a feeling of confidence that God wants us to have. It is the confidence that only his presence can inspire. It is the confidence that allowed Peter to briefly walk upon the waves of a different storm. It is the confidence that Jesus is the master of the wind and the waves.

"Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!" 
He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. 

We need to make room for Jesus in our boats. We must do this even when the storms that surround us make it seem hugely impractical. Then more than ever we need him.

For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out,
and the afflicted when he has no one to help him.