“God’s Spirit is in you and is more powerful than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 (CEV)
Jesus came to earth to defeat death and to destroy the devil’s work. In fact, the Bible says, “The Son of God came for this purpose: to destroy the devil's work” (1 John 3:8 NCV).
What is the devil’s work? Messing up your heart by filling it with worry, guilt, anger, and confusion—and making you feel worthless and helpless and hopeless and aimless.
One of Satan’s biggest tools in your life is fear. But fear does not come from God. The Bible says, “There is no fear in love. . . . perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18 NIV). So whenever you’re feeling afraid, you can know that God’s not the one behind it.
The Bible also says, “God is love” (1 John 4:8 NLT). Since there’s no fear in love, and since God is love, you can know that his presence drives out fear.
The number one fear that people have is the fear of death, and Satan uses it to keep us enslaved.
When I think of all the people I know and love who are in heaven, it makes me even more eager to get there. And when I look around at the pain and brokenness of this planet, I’m reminded that we were never meant to be here forever—and thank God we won’t be!
Hebrews 2:14-15 says, “Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying” (NLT).
I’m not afraid to die—because I know what Jesus has done for me. When you’re a friend of God and you know where you’re going, there’s no fear in meeting him there.
But I’m also not afraid to live in a world that seems to be spinning out of control, even when the devil seems to be having the last word in a lot of ways.
“God stripped the spiritual rulers and powers of their authority. With the cross, he won the victory and showed the world that they were powerless” (Colossians 2:15 NCV). As a Christian, you don’t have to be afraid, because “God’s Spirit is in you and is more powerful than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4 CEV).
There is no more fear, in life or in death, for those who walk with Jesus. If you are feeling anxious or afraid today, surrender to God, and ask him to remind you of his Word, his promises, and his love.
Rick Warren is an innovative pastor, renowned author, and global influencer known for founding Saddleback Church, the Purpose Driven Network, the PEACE Plan, and Hope for Mental Health. He has written several best-selling books, including The Purpose Driven Life, which has sold over 35 million copies in 200 languages. Time magazine named Warren the most influential spiritual leader in America and one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Since stepping down from the lead pastor role at Saddleback in 2022, Warren has continued to inspire people through his Daily Hope Devotional and podcast Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope. His first book in a decade, Created to Dream, was released in April 2023.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
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