SPRING CLEANING

Did you ever play with pipe cleaners as a child? I have many memories of sitting in my mom’s kindergarten classroom after school, passing the time by bending and shaping these vibrant, fuzzy wires. The delight of pipe cleaners is not only can you form them into whatever shape you desire, they also maintain their structure and combine with each other to create many beautiful rainbows of color.

As I awakened this morning, a Scripture popped into my head from 1 John 4:18 (NIV), “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear...” Immediately, an image of these pipe cleaners came to mind.

Imagine with me for a moment that these childhood gizmos represent God’s Perfect Love, and the varying colors each symbolize a facet of this love. Now take a minute to consider the fears taunting you today, plugging up your heart and mind. Envision those lies that are holding you back from all you are capable of.

What are you facing today? Are you overwhelmed? The God of the universe boldly proclaims, “I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Is 41:10 NIV) Feeling misunderstood? God says He knew you before He even formed you in the womb! (Jer 1:5) Are you facing abandonment? Your Creator promises, “I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God...” (Is 41:9, 10 NIV)

Do you see how the varying colors of God’s Perfect Love can be shaped to fit every situation you face and clear out all fears you are dealing with? Allow each brilliant hue to permeate the deep crevices inside you that are crowded with apprehension. Utilizing the truth of His promises in the Bible, let Him clean out every single fear and doubt that is plaguing your life.

Our sweet Heavenly Father has already given us the keys to His heart through Jesus’ sacrifice. When we truly embrace the goodness, faithfulness, and love of God in our lives, what do we have to fear? He has equipped us with every tool we need to be in order to be cleansed from all forms of fear.

Take some time today to flip through the pages of God’s Word. Pick out your own colorful “pipe cleaners” and shape them to fit whatever circumstances you find yourself in today. Then allow God’s Perfect Love to infuse you and drive out all fears from your being.

Christ lived a perfect life and died a perfect death so we could know God’s Perfect Love. No matter what happened yesterday, from this day forward, let us each use His powerful love to drive away all that has been holding us back from living the abundant life Jesus offers us. Happy spring cleaning, my friend...