“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.”
—1 John 4:18

I have often prayed for a deeper understanding of this verse. One thing it means for sure—when we understand how perfectly the Father loves us, we will not be afraid.

You see, Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows” (Matt. 10:29–31). Getting hold of how intimately the Lord loves us and is involved in our lives dispels fear.

God cares about even the minute details of our lives. I know it’s easy to say that; it’s harder to really grab hold of that reality, especially when we’re going through hard times. For example, sometimes I get attacked in my sleep with bad dreams that make me feel I’m a million miles away from God. I wake up in the morning and think, “Lord, if I’m so close to You, why did I have that dream? Where were You?” I have to fight to say, “Lord, even though it seemed like You weren’t with me in that dream, I’m going to still believe that somehow You’re completely, intimately involved in every detail of my life. Your love was hovering over me as I slept last night. I know the picture is bigger than what I’m seeing right now. Help me to understand how much You love me.”

Beloved, we need revelation of how intimately involved in our lives God is and how deep is His affection for us. When we truly get this, we will fear nothing, because we will know we are not victims of circumstance but that God is in control, directing everything and completely watching over our lives.

Father God, I ask that the fullness of the love You demonstrated when You sent Your Son to die on the cross for us would penetrate my heart and mind, so I will understand what You meant when You said perfect love casts out all fear. Father, I want to truly realize that there’s not one part of my life that You’re not with me in. In Jesus’ name, Daddy, I ask You for great revelation of Your love.

Rabbi Kirt A. Schneider, Rivers of Divine Truth (Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House, 2021), Used by permission.