Do you live every day with worry and fear over what disaster of money, health, or relationship might happen to you next? Do you fret over politics, international tensions and the threat of famine, weather or disease? If so, you've not yet recognized the power of the Holy Spirit to help you live by love.
Paul's words in Romans 5:1-2 tell us how sure we can be about our place with God: "Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God ...Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory." By his grace -- not by our effort -- God has forgiven us our sins, brought us into his household, and given us peace with him.
But when trials and setbacks come, when plans don't work out, then can I worry? No, says Paul: "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation" (Rom. 5:3-4). Rejoice? The church in Rome was being persecuted for believing in Jesus. The saints were often being fed to the lions, and Paul wanted them to think spiritually, to look forward to eternity, and not give up their faith.
The Christians in Rome -- and we today -- can rejoice and endure and hope only through the Spirit's power. Romans 5:5 tells us "For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." If we are constantly being reminded of "how dearly God loves us," how can we lapse into fear about the next five minutes, or about coming days or years? If we continue to fear, it's because we are not surrendering to that total reassurance from the Holy Spirit in us.
If you're still living in fear instead of love, how about setting aside some time to read scripture and ask God, with all your energy, to help you see what Romans 5:5 means for you? Get away from every other distraction, and let the Spirit teach you to trust that God loves you. That will change you from a worrier to a warrior!
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