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!
1 John 4:18 (AMPC)
Joy is more than a happy feeling. It’s a fruit of the Spirit that can take us through the tough times in life, empowering us to overcome. We as believers need to maintain our joy and defend ourselves against things that prevent us from walking in that joy—things like fear.
When we’re consumed with fear and worry, there’s no room in our hearts for joy. But the good news is we are empowered to overcome fear. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you…I will strengthen you” (NKJV). And, according to 1 John 4:18, perfect love casts out ALL fear.
How can love cast out fear? Well, let’s say that a woman who is petrified of dogs comes across a couple of vicious-looking ones in her path. Even if she has to walk miles out of her way, she will do it to avoid those dogs. But if the same scenario happens but the woman’s two-year-old is on the other side of those growling, vicious dogs, it’s a different story entirely. She would take on those dogs in a heartbeat. Her love trumps her fear.
As we grow in our relationship with God—the awareness that he lives
in us and we are loved and empowered by him—it powers us to push past boundaries and do things we are afraid of doing.
Fear doesn’t have to control your life and it doesn’t have to block you from walking in joy. Love trumps fear every time, and enables you to become a person of joy, courage and power.