Perfect love

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out all fear..." 1 John 4:18

This is a verse that has seemed to pop into my mind over the last several months when I least expect it. I don't think I have a complete grasp on what it means entirely, but I usually remember this verse in situations where anxiety and fear tries to win--sometimes that's in conversations with other people, thoughts about the future, or in reading the news, etc.

FEAR has cropped up in my mind this past week in various situations:

-Sitting in class listening to people stress out about finding a job soon.
-Worrying that I will only continue to struggle through my millionth economics class.
-Listening to people at work talk about how they need to make themselves "indispensable" so they don't lose their jobs.
-Reading an article entitled the "lost generation" about how my generation may be labeled that because of the huge, unprecedented unemployment and underemployment rates in our age group.
-Strangers being surprised I'm not married or dating.
-Contemplating what on earth I should do when I graduate in a few months.

But, I then have been quickly reminded how there is no place for fear, especially when we have such an awesome, sovereign God who has always taken care of us.

So there have also been various situations this past week where LOVE has won:

-Being able to consistently encourage my fellow classmates and make them laugh.
-Enjoying His glorious creativity on runs and bike rides in absolutely gorgeous weather.
-Leading an English conversation group at church, and helping international students understand some difficult idioms.
-Humbling myself and asking my classmates for help on confusing and overwhelming homework and projects.
-Attending ballet class and recalling the joy God has given me for dance.
-Enjoying an opera performance with several of my close girlfriends.
-Remembering how I'm saved by His grace alone!