The thing about fear is this – some can be overcome simply by facing them. For example, you’re afraid of heights, so you attempt at climbing new heights, each time going higher than before, getting to used to the previous heights and therefore no longer afraid.   Others though, can’t be overcome on your own. Other fears are not associated with people, situations or things. They are deeper. Some people live life afraid. They are afraid that something bad is about to wrong. Fear that they’re going to get sick. There are fears that are not based on any fact or negative personal experience. Some fears can only be overcome by having a deep understanding, a revelation, that God loves you. I’m not talking about head knowledge of this truth, but a deep heart belief.

I can’t help but reflect as Christmas approaches, that the biggest rescue plan ever known to man was launched. That through the birth of a little baby, all of humanity forever, could come to the understanding that they are precious in the eyes of God. That God so deeply wants a relationship with us that He was willing to give up His son for us. That Jesus would choose to give up the comfort, joy, peace and beauty of heaven for you and me. Knowing full well what the future held for Him. In the last moments of His life, enduring the pain of God having no choice but look away from His only son as Jesus accepted my sin, your sin. In that moment, God chose to look away from the sin and chose look at us. He set his eyes on us. He chose to think about our lives, our futures and our destinies. When I think about this mind blowing fact, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed and understand that to God, we are all precious. That His truth, that He is always with me, is in fact, truth! It provides peace to our once fearful hearts.

I wear a necklace around my neck, almost everyday, with the inscription “Isaiah 43”. For me, it serves as a constant reminder that I need not fear, anything, because no matter what I face God, the one who chose to look my way, is with me. It’s a reminder that I am His and He is mine. It’s serves as a reminder that no matter what, God looks at me and thinks I’m precious. I can’t help but be overwhelmed with the knowledge that I AM LOVED. As this truth grips my heart, fear has no other option but to disperse, because perfect love casts out all fear.

I want to encourage you that if you have yet to have this truth become a reality for you, to do one simple thing. Ask. In a quiet place, ask God to show you His heart towards you. You may feel, hear or sense something in that very moment, or you may find that through out your day (that day or in days to come), He will show you how much he loves you.

“But now, says the Lord—the one who created you, Jacob, the one who formed you, Israel (insert your name too): Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when through the rivers, they won’t sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you won’t be scorched and flame won’t burn you. 3 I am the Lord your God, the holy one of Israel, your savior. I have given Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place. 4 Because you are precious in my eyes, you are honored, and I love you.” Isaiah 43:1-4(a)