Thursday, May 3, 2012

My Tattoo

If I were going to get a tattoo, and I'm not, I didn't, but if I were, this is what I would get.


Thank you Husband for this bit of graphic design magic!
This design was inspired by the scripture passage, There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear. (1John 4:18) My Pastor's sermon last Sunday focused on this verse. He spoke directly to me. 


Husband designed! He's amazing


Does that happen to you? Do you occasionally think your Pastor asked everyone you know what you need to hear and then preached it just for you? If it has, please be sure to thank God for your Pastor and the way God is blessing him to speak to your heart! If it hasn't, pray that God would open your ears to hear when your Pastor is speaking directly to your heart. 


I would get this tattoo because I often need the reminder that God's love is perfect, it is constant, and unwavering. I need the reminder that through every situation, every circumstance God's perfect love is my strength, my comfort. God is my rock! And if God is my Rock, if Almighty God is for me, then who could be against me? (Romans 8:31b)


I cannot be moved if I am firmly planted on the Rock of my Salvation. And the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. (Matthew 7:25)


Life storms come.


They are inevitable.


They are scary.


They make us uncomfortable.


We don't know how long they will last.


We don't know what kind of destruction they may cause.


I would prefer an end to storms, but they are the result of this broken world. I would especially like an end too the storms that are; life threatening illness, financial struggles, loss of the life of a loved one, broken relationships... The list could go on and on, but I think you understand what I'm getting at.


When these storms arise, my fear rises quickly too.


I often forget that though the storm may have taken me by surprise, it has NOT taken God by surprise. He knew it was heading my way long before I could see it's dark clouds, before the first whisper of wind blew, before the first thundercloud clapped, and well before lightening could strike, and He had already begun to shelter me.


I need the reminder that His love knows no bounds and if my focus remains where it should, on God's love for me, and I trust Him, and love Him in return there will be no room for fear to dwell in me no matter how the storm may howl about me. 


I will be kept safe! For no one and nothing can pluck His loved one from His hand!


I will be granted peace. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind! 
(2 Timothy1:7)


I just need to claim it! I need to keep my focus on God's great love for me, let it fill my heart, be my comfort, and cast out fear!


Christine







3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello. I was looking for ideas for a tattoo of the 1John 4:18 verse and I saw this and thought it perfectly exemplifies the verse. I wanted to know if it would be alright to use it?

Christine said...

Thank you Anonymous for asking. You have my permission to use the tattoo graphic. I would encourage you too, that more important than writing it on your body, write it on your heart! That is where it will make the greatest impact. And I pray that both of us will know, without a doubt, the truth of this verse!

Nisha Merri aka Anonymous :) said...

I get that the more I am filled with the love of God then the fear must leave. With him fully in my heart I can overcome all barriers in my path. His love knows no boundaries and this will remind me of that. Thank you.