The song “Stand In Your Love” was penned by Josh Baldwin. It is a song of hope, inspiring believers to stand on the foundation of God’s love that breaks the shackles of fear and shame. Reflecting on the message the song imparts, Josh says...
“I really felt that the Lord had given us a song that would help put language to the fear and brokenness that a lot of people face in their everyday life.”
“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.” 1 John 4:18 (NLT)
If I’m honest, I realize that I often live with an unhealthy fear of God. I live in a courtroom of guilt, attempting to earn God’s love, instead of living in His love.
Have you ever felt this way? Have you ever felt so broken by shame that you fear God’s punishment? In Josh Baldwin’s song, “Stand In Your Love,” he captures these emotions perfectly as he sings, “When sorrow comes to steal the joy I own, when brokenness and pain are all I know, oh, I won’t be shaken, no, I won’t be shaken.”
We often get “shaken” when we elevate our fear above the faithfulness of God. This song, however, gives us hope as Baldwin belts out the chorus: “My fear doesn’t stand a chance when I stand in Your love.” The faithful love of Jesus eclipses any and all fear.
So how do we get relief from our fear? How can we stand firm in God’s love and banish fear and shame? I think there are two ways we can stand firm in the love of God.
First, we have to believe that His love is a greater force than fear. I’m afraid of bears, but if one tried to attack my wife, my love for my wife would exceed my fear of the bear (I hope!). Love comes to the rescue even when you still have concerns. Love casts doubt on its ear when you know His love. Our “fear doesn’t stand a chance” in the presence of such a powerful love.
Second, we have to believe Jesus forgave us. Doubt and fear rob us of joy when we forget Jesus proved His crazy love for you and me when He died on the cross. The shameful movie of your life says, “THE END” when the credits roll. But you’re not the author of your story; God is, and His end credits say “THE BEGINNING.” On the cross, Jesus took our shame (Romans 8:1). Every wrong we have done and will ever do is forgiven. That is love worth standing IN and ON. That type of forgiveness and grace puts shame in its place.
Friends, let’s not allow shame and regret to depress us. Instead, let’s be people who stand firm in the love of Jesus. Fear and shame will flee when we profess what we know to be true of God: His love is greater than fear, and His forgiveness releases us from shame. If we remember this truth, joy and hope will be our song. As the song goes, “There’s power that can break off every chain. There’s power that can empty out a grave.” Let’s live in that power and break the chains of fear and shame today!
Reflect and Respond:
- What drives your fear? Why is love a greater force than fear?
- How can you live with more joy?
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If you need prayer or you would like to talk with a K-LOVE Pastor, we are here to serve you. Call us at 844-364-4673 (hope).
