March 1

[To Love, to Be Loved] God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love". 1 John 4:17-18 (MSG)

Have you ever been to a meeting or gathering, perhaps a visit to someone’s home, where the wrong person may have control of the situation?  Instead of order there is disarray; instead of peace there is strife; in the place of calm there is chaos! So much depends on who is in charge and who has the authority to set the tone or lead!
 
We know the same can be true in our own lives—those times where fear takes a hold of our hearts and just won’t let go—it pulls us to and for until we are completely worn out and weary! Doubt, unbelief, when left unchecked can steer us into some dark places, where we were never meant to dwell.
 
What about this though—what if love has the run of the house? Well, that, is a very different story.  And one that brings good news for all!  Then what if that house is your heart?  Even better! 
 
Instead of fear dictating your days, pushing you around and holding you captive, love goes ahead and prepares the way.  Then stays close, very close, and walks with you every moment of the day. Always at your side, always at the ready to encourage, calm, and care. When fear rises up to confront you, perfect peace pushes it right back out—there is no room for it here!
 
Instead of anger, bitterness, uncertainty, and doubt, love takes up residence, and heaven-born tranquility comes to abide.
 
We can live a life of love when we live a life in God, because God is love, and in the fullness of His love, all is well.  Love is greater than the circumstances, lifting us above the fray, to a place of confidence in the One Who loves us so, and has us securely in the palm of His hand—never to let us go.
 
Divinely loved one, invite love in to fill your heart today and watch how the lesser things in life begin to fade away.  Invite God’s presence into those tucked away places, protected perhaps from further pain; into those fears you are too afraid even to speak out and watch them become whittled down to size under the power of His perfect love.
 
Nothing is too difficult for Him!  You can be free from the crippling worry that wants to carry you away, and be wrapped up instead, cushioned and cocooned in confidence of a good outcome, as you place your trust in the One Who loves you so and does all things well! Enfolded in His protection and His peace, His goodness and His grace, there simply is no place for fear here. Only peace, rest, protection, and unending, unconditional, unceasing, love.
 
Run to Him, cherished and chosen one, and take all of your cares and concerns too, for perfect Love, abiding love, is the place God has prepared to dwell with you!
 
Prayer:
 
Father, I confess to You today that the idea of love—to give and receive love—seems too hard to attain.  Especially the love You talk about—a place of acceptance and safety instead of a place of shame.
 
Yet You have promised Lord that under the canopy of Your divine love, there is peace, security, and rest.  Though I can’t fully understand it now, I choose to trust You; to step out in faith; and to step into the fullness of Your glory and grace.
 
Undo, I pray, all the lies I have believed about love, about being loved.  About being worthy of love and come instead with Your Spirit of Truth. 
 
Show me Your love Lord, in all its redeeming beauty and strength. Banish the fear from my life and teach me to dwell always in the centre of Your heart and in the perfection of Your ways.
 
Though I feel at times unworthy Lord, You are the worthy One Who never lies.  Because of that, I trust You today, Lord, and I receive.
 
In Jesus Precious and Holy Name, I pray.