There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear.  

- 1 John 4:18

Have there ever been moments in your life where fear, anxiety and worry seemed to consume you?

The stronghold fear can have is no joke.

While merely experiencing feelings of fear and anxiety aren’t wrong, we can’t let it stop us!

The phrase, “frozen in fear” makes sense when we look at how it negatively impacts our lives if we allow it to rule over us.

Fear is one of the enemy's favorite tactics. If Satan can get you to submit to fear, he can make you inactive, or “freeze” you in your pursuit of God’s calling on your life.

This is why it’s so important to have a revelation of God’s perfect love, the only love that casts out all fear!

When we go through fearful times, or any kind of intense spiritual warfare, it can be easy to let it consume us.

Instead of focusing on Jesus, the one who set you free, the enemy wants you to focus on your problems, doubts, and fears.

In order to combat this, we must make the conscious and purposeful decision to do the opposite – to keep our gaze on Jesus even in the midst of spiritual warfare, hardship and fear. To make Him your main focus, not your problems.

The more we keep our focus on Jesus, the more we naturally come to know Him. The more we come to know Him, the more we begin to love Him and have a revelation of God’s love for us.

When you fall desperately in love with Him, your beloved, His love becomes the first and only thing taking priority in your mind, heart, soul… your very life! He becomes everything. His love is so much greater and much more powerful than any problem, let alone any fear that tries to come your way.

Today, when you seek the Lord in prayer and when you worship Him, don’t focus on the fear or issues of life, but simply focus on Him.

Focus on His love and who He is and what He means to you. Ask and thank Him for a fresh revelation of His love for you, and then allow yourself to bask in His presence.

Instead of being consumed by the fear of this world and distracted by the woes of life, allow Him to distract you with His beauty, and be consumed by His love!

Because in the face of His immeasurable glory and endless, perfect love… fear doesn’t stand a chance!

“Heavenly Father, I ask and thank you for giving me a revelation of your perfect love. I long to know you the way you created me to know you. Help me to draw close to you, and make me aware of how involved you really are in my life. I choose right now to make you the main focus of my heart. Let your fiery love consume me from the inside out, and cast out every fear! Amen.”  

With Love,
Sarah Sherstad

As you reflect on this verse, consider the areas in your life where fear has taken hold. God’s love is not distant or conditional—it is complete and powerful enough to quiet every anxious thought. Step into this time of journaling with honesty, allowing His love to meet you in those spaces.

Journaling Prompts

• What fears have been weighing on your heart recently? 

• How do these fears affect your thoughts, decisions, or relationships? 

• What would it look like to fully trust in God’s love in these areas? 

• Where have you already seen God’s faithfulness replace fear in your life? 

• Write a prayer asking God to help you live confidently in His love. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “perfect love casts out fear” mean?
It means that God’s complete and unconditional love drives out fear, especially fear rooted in judgment, insecurity, or uncertainty.

Why do I still feel fear if I know God loves me?
Fear is a natural human response, but growing in understanding and experiencing God’s love helps reduce its hold over time.

What kind of fear is this verse referring to?
Primarily fear related to judgment or punishment, but it also speaks to the broader impact of fear in our lives when we forget God’s love.

How can I live more confidently in God’s love?
Spend time in Scripture, remind yourself of God’s promises, and intentionally replace fearful thoughts with truth about His character.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your perfect love that casts out fear. When anxiety rises within me, remind me that I am safe in You. Help me to trust in Your love more deeply each day and to release the fears that hold me back. Fill my heart with peace and confidence, knowing that I belong to You. Amen.

Thank you for all the thoughtful comments being left in feedback to our new devotional style. We appreciate hearing from all of you. With Love, Kara