There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection].
1 John 4:18 (AMPC)
What kind of picture do you hold for the future? If your vision for the future is full of fear, today’s verse holds the solution. Love can paint a beautiful new picture over that fearful one.
Let’s say you’re worried about your health, and when you picture your future, you imagine that the illness you’re facing is going to cut your life short.
Try meditating on Psalm 91:16 which says, “With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation” (AMPC). As you think about this verse, Holy Spirit can help you to picture what that long life would look like.
Maybe long life for you involves seeing your kids get married and watching your grandkids take their first steps. Maybe your picture includes travelling with your spouse in retirement or bouncing great- grandkids on your knee. God’s promises can paint new pictures that override worrisome, fear-based visions of the future.
What have you been picturing lately? Fear pictures sickness and pain, depression and anxiety. Love pictures the energy and capacity to serve others and enjoy life.
You can base your vision for the future on love. God loves you and wants the best for you. He’s promised you so many good things in his Word. Practice visualizing those promises coming to be in your life, and a new, hope-filled vision will become your expectation for the future.