What if fear isn’t defeated by courage? What if courage needs fear to exist? Do you know love drives out fear? Learn how to use the perfect love of God to overcome any fear.
Trevor H. Lund is the founder of Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca/ and the Creative Storyteller at https://revtrev.com Check out https://revtrev.com/tv for past videos and live casts and https://revtrev.com/radio to subscribe to his podcast wherever you listen. Learn how to Know
Listen to Freedom From Fear
Watch Freedom From Fear
Read the Notes From Fear
Read Psalm 27:1-14
Can I pray?
At the wedding of our son and now daughter-in-law, I got to give a speech to welcome Rachel into our family. I had a lot of tears and trying not to cough giving it, so figured I wanted to use it again somewhere—it’s a good speech. Here it is for you.
Welcome Rachel into the family
When I dropped off the kids at school I would usually say “You are loved. Live loved. Have fun stormin’ the castle.”
That last part comes from The Princess Bride. When Fezzik, Indigo Mantoya and the mostly dead Wesley were leaving Miracle Max’s to go rescue Buttercup from Prince Humperdink and confront the 6-fingered man who killed Indigo Mantoya’s father.
Miracle Max and his wife are standing at the door waving and yells after them: “Have fun stormin’ the castle”. His wife asked him, “Do you think you it will work?” To which Miracle Max replies “It will take a miracle.”
I wanted to remind our kids that miracles happen—even when it looks almost impossible. So do what you need to do, for as long as you need to—no matter hard it is— because you never know what can happen until you try.
Live Loved
The first part about love, we worked out—and are working out— what that means. We’ve don’t have it all figured out.
In our family you are loved, so you can live loved.
We want to be patient and always try to be kind. We speak the truth to each other—in love—if we’re acting jealous or boastful or proud or rude. We do not demand our own way, but think of the interests of others. And we try not to be irritable, and choose to live unoffendable—we don’t want to keep any record of being wronged. We mourn injustice but rejoice whenever the truth wins out. We never give up on each other, we never lose faith in each other, we are always hopeful for each other, and have unbelievable tenacity in all of that.
We will pick up our sword and fight for you. We will lay down our life and die for you. We will sit in the dirt and cry with you. We’ll go to the street and dance with you…unless you’re dancing in the snow and it’s cold outside. I think we’ve already established that we’ll probably be inside making the hot chocolate… because real cold gets real old real fast.
How we Love God
Karen and I will always pray for you and will never give up. We want to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer. We’ll never stop praying and give thanks in all circumstances for you. Karen’s been praying for you, Rachel, since the day we knew Kian was going to be born. We pray for both of you every day, and thank God for you whenever we think of you.
So Rachel—as we welcome you to our family—we are so glad we can celebrate with your family.
Address her family
You Givens and extended family and friends gathered here have had an important role raising a pretty incredible young woman. She is capable and caring and those are the highest compliments I can give anyone.
Thank you, Rachel for loving Kian.
We dropped off our 18-year-old son, in an isolated country on the other side of the world—before anyone knew anything about Covid. And we’ve been impressed with how quickly he’s matured into the capable and caring man that he is. We think you had a pretty big role in the transformation we’ve witnessed.
You both have gone through so much. We’re glad you had each other to go through it together. There is so much much more you’re going to go through…and you will get through it —together.
If I can leave you both with a blessing it’s this:
May you always have hearts to know God. May you grow more and more into who He has destined you to be, as you learn to know Him better and better.
If I can leave you both with something to work out in your day-to-day of everyday as you live your lives together it’s this:
The God of all hope will fill you with peace and joy as you trust in Him so you’ll overflow with hope by the power of Holy Spirit. So seek His presence always. Seek Him and find Him. Seek Him and know that you are loved!
So back to the reason we’re up here— to welcome Rachel to our family— I guess we need to make it official:
Rachel, You are loved. Live loved. Have fun stormin’ the castle.
____
Why Freedom from Fear only comes when we Love God
We’re going to look at living with Freedom from Fear and you might wonder why with that topic, I started with that story.
Don’t worry…it all connects.
The opposite of fear isn’t courage or faith.
There was a time I thought it was.
I can even remember stories I was told where it was the stated morality. “Courage rises up to defeat fear”. You can even hear it in the Psalm I read if you want to read it that way. I understood I needed to face fear head on. Suck it up, buttercup.
I come by it naturally. There’s even a word in Finnish that goes beyond simple persistence. It reflects a deep, almost stubborn will to push through hardship.
I did not know this word growing up. I’ve recently learned it. It explains so much of how I’ve lived my life. I bought a book to better understand it. The word is “Sisu”. It’s untranslatable into English, but it means:
Determination and grit in the face of adversity. Persistent courage and resilience beyond normal stamina. The ability to keep going despite challenges and setbacks. A mindset of taking action even when success seems unlikely.
I had no idea that’s what I was telling my kids to do when I said when I’d say, “You are loved. Live Loved. Have fun stormin’ the castle.”
Listen there is a place for dogged determinism even when success seems unlikely. But that’s when we talk about treating hardship as discipline.
When we’re talking about freedom from fear, we need to understand courage and tenacity doesn’t defeat fear.
You cannot have freedom from fear by trying hard to be courageous.
How can I say that?
The Problem
There’s a problem with thinking fear can be beat with a stiff upper lip.
The problem with thinking the opposite of fear is courage or faith lies is how it shapes your understanding and response to fear:
Courage and Faith Coexist with Fear
Courage and faith don’t eliminate fear; they exist alongside it. You can be afraid and still act courageously or have faith. They are responses to fear, not its opposite. (See Psalm 56:3) - When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
It’s not courage without fear. You need to have fear in order to act courageously. If you don’t have fear, you’re just acting normally. No one ever says “You spoke so courageously when you spoke” to me, because I’ve been doing it my entire life and I pretty much authentic when I speak, so there’s not much I won’t say. But if something you haven’t done and you come up with fear and trembling and share what you think God’s given you to say, that could take a lot of courage.
What’s courageous for you might not be courageous for me; what’s courageous for me might not be courageous for you. The difference is when we do it in spite of fear.
Courage and faith co-exist with fear.
Misunderstanding Fear’s Root
If you see courage or faith as the opposite of fear, you might ignore the deeper cause of fear. You don’t get to the root. You miss out of God’s best for you. Without addressing that root, we will not fully overcome fear. (See 1 John 4:18) - There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Leads to Suppression, Not Healing
Thinking courage opposes fear can push you to suppress fear rather than understand or heal it. This can cause stress or breakdown over time because fear remains unaddressed. (See Psalm 94:19) When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
Limits Emotional Growth
Seeing faith as opposite to fear might cause you to judge yourself or others harshly when fear surfaces. Suck it up buttercup.
It can create guilt or shame instead of encouraging gentle growth through love. (See Romans 8:1) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
The Bible makes it clear the opposite of fear is Love.
Fear is often a lack of love or trust in God’s love.
Let me show you.
Love removes fear related to punishment.
1 John 4:18 NLT Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.
God’s Spirit replaces fear with a relationship like a child to a father.
Romans 8:15 NLT So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”
God’s love brings deliverance from fear.
Psalm 34:4 NLT I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.
God’s Spirit empowers us with love instead of timidity.
2 Timothy 1:7 NLT For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
The opposite of Fear is Love.
When you trust in God’s love, fear lets go.
Why does this matter?
In this life we will have reason to fear.
We are not in heaven yet. We live in a world that has yet to be redeemed, that groans—as in childbirth—waiting for the children of God to be revealed. We are walking with people who are being redeemed who groan with creation longing for that day. And we are surrounded by others who have no interest in being redeemed, and who only do good when it serves their self-interests. And don’t forget there’s a conquered enemy from eternity past—seeking to kill, steal and destroy.
It’s no wonder Jesus promised that there would be trouble. If they hated him, they will hate us.
But we can have no fear of bad news even when it comes. It doesn’t come from steeling ourselves and shutting down our emotions it only comes from seeking the Lord always and embracing His inconceivable love.
When you trust in God’s love, fear lets go.
What would it feel like?
How would your life change if you faced fear by choosing love every time?
You will have reason to fear…but you don’t have to respond in fear.
When you are filled with His love, you will not naturally respond to fear in fear.
The God of hope fills us with peace and joy AS WE TRUST IN HIM so that we can overflow with hope by the power of Holy Spirit.
Will you trust Him in His love?
When you trust in God’s love, fear lets go.
Start with understanding what God’s love is…
I guess we need to agree with what the love of God is
Understand God loves you…
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; Psalm 103:13 (NIVUK)
The enemy attacks fathers and families so it’s harder and harder to trust God as our good, good Father. But where our earthly fathers were never perfect—and some were downright evil—our heavenly Father is perfect and He shows us a love we can’t experience outside of Him.
Understand what his love is like…
Ephesians 3:17-19 NLT Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Wide: Christ’s Love Embraces All
Christ’s love extends to every person, regardless of background, past, or status.
John 3:16-17 NLT “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
Long: Christ’s Love Never Runs Out
His love stretches from eternity past to eternity future; it never fails nor fades.
Jeremiah 31:3 NLT Long ago the Lord said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.
Deep: Christ’s Love Reaches Our Lowest Points
No sin, shame, or struggle can keep His love away; He meets us in our deepest need.
Romans 8:38-39 NLT And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
High: Christ’s Love Lifts Us Up
His love not only saves us from our low points but also raises us up to new life and purpose.
Ephesians 2:4-6 NLT But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.
How can you know and experience that love so you can walk in freedom from fear?
That’s a great question, I’m so glad you asked.
KNOW the heights and depths and breadth and lengths of God’s love Tool
Let’s read that verse in Ephesians 3 again…
Ephesians 3:17-19 NLT Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
K Kindness: Christ’s Love Is Compassionate and Gracious
N Nearness: Christ’s Love Is Always Present
O Overcoming: Christ’s Love Conquers All Obstacles
W Welcoming: Christ’s Love Invites and Includes Everyone
K.N.O.W. the Love of Christ
K — Kindness: Christ’s Love Is Compassionate and Gracious
Titus 3:4-5 — “But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy…”
Wide: Christ’s Love Embraces All
Christ’s love is full of kindness, reaching out with compassion to everyone, even those who feel unworthy.
Notice daily moments where God’s kindness shows up—answered prayers, unexpected encouragement, or forgiveness. Gratitude opens the door for you to see this more. Feel grateful for what you notice and do something to show appreciation.
Ask Holy Spirit:
What do you want to feel grateful for in this moment?
N — Nearness: Christ’s Love Is Always Present
Psalm 34:18 — “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Deep: Christ’s Love Reaches Our Lowest Points
You are never alone; Christ is with you in every situation, offering His unfailing presence.
Practice inviting Jesus into your daily life—your joys, worries, and routines.
I know you're always with me, how can I be with you today?
O — Overcoming: Christ’s Love Conquers All Obstacles
Romans 8:38-39 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Long: Christ’s Love Never Runs Out
Nothing can separate you from Christ’s love—not sin, fear, failure, or hardship.
When you face challenges or doubts, remind yourself of God’s promises and declare His victory over your struggles and that nothing can separate you from His love.
Do you need a promise for your situation? https://revtrev.com/promises
Ask Holy Spirit
How can I feel that your love is with me in this moment?
W — Welcoming: Christ’s Love Invites and Includes Everyone
Matthew 11:28 — “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
High: Christ’s Love Lifts Us Up
His love welcomes you just as you are and invites you into a relationship with Him, no matter your past.
Respond to Jesus’ invitation by spending quiet time with Him—resting in His presence and sharing your heart honestly.
Remember…
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 NLT
Ask Holy Spirit
What keeps me from regularly coming fully to Jesus?
When you trust in God’s love, fear lets go.
Challenge
Practical Steps to KNOW Christ’s Love
Kindness: Look for ways God has shown you grace and choose to show grace to others.
Nearness: Take moments throughout your day to acknowledge Jesus’ presence with you.
Overcoming: Memorize Romans 8:37-39 and speak it over yourself when you feel discouraged.
Welcoming: Accept Christ’s invitation by spending time with Him in prayer and worship.
Conclusion
In the next few moments you can ask Holy Spirit one or all of these questions. Or you can offer him your fear and receive from him his love. Make space to hear him quiet you with His love.
What do you want to feel grateful for in this moment?
How can I become more aware of Your nearness throughout my day?
How can I feel that your love is with me in this moment?
What keeps me from regularly coming fully to Jesus?
If I can leave you with the same blessing I left I left my kids with it’s this:
May you always have hearts to know God. May you grow more and more into who He has destined you to be, as you learn to know Him better and better.
If I can leave you with a challenge to work out in your day-to-day of everyday it’s this:
The God of all hope will fill you with peace and joy as you trust in Him so you’ll overflow with hope by the power of Holy Spirit. So seek His presence always. Seek Him and find Him. Seek Him and know that you are loved!
Can I Pray with You?
Ephesians 3:17-19 NLT
I thank you that you make your home in our hearts as we trust in you. I thank you that our roots will grow down into God’s love and keep us strong. And may we can have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep your love is. May we experience the love of Christ, though it is incomprehensible. Then we will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Listen to Holy Spirit
