There’s something deeply reassuring about the quote from Karl Abad's Deep in the Shallow, Profound in the Superficial: “It is the love of Jesus that completely removes fear out of you, it is His love that overpowers the darkness within and without.” When we read these words, we are reminded of the power of love—specifically the love that comes from Jesus, a love that is transformative, all-encompassing, and capable of reaching into the deepest recesses of our hearts.
It’s easy to become lost in the chaos of life, overwhelmed by the uncertainty that often surrounds us. Fear is an emotion that we all know too well, whether it is fear of the unknown, fear of failure, or fear of loss. We may find ourselves in a dark place, consumed by worry, or trapped in patterns of negative thinking. But what if there was a way to disarm that fear? What if there was something powerful enough to banish the darkness that seems to linger inside us? Karl Abad’s words suggest that this power is found in the love of Jesus.
We have all experienced fear in some form or another. For many, it’s the fear of being inadequate, not measuring up, or falling short of expectations. This fear can be suffocating. It pushes us into hiding, keeping us from stepping into the fullness of who we are meant to be. It paralyzes us and can even lead us to feel hopeless. But the love of Jesus, as Abad states, isn’t just a nice sentiment—it’s a force that removes fear. It doesn’t just quiet it for a moment; it completely eradicates it.
When we think about love in the context of Jesus, we understand that His love is unconditional and all-encompassing. It is a love that sees us for who we truly are, flaws and all, and loves us anyway. It’s not based on what we can offer or how we measure up—it’s rooted in His grace, in the divine mercy that extends beyond anything we could deserve.
And this love is active. It's not passive, sitting idly by. When we allow it to seep into the cracks of our soul, it doesn’t just soothe us; it transforms us. Fear may still try to creep in, but in the presence of Jesus' love, it has no power over us. The darkness within us that fear often thrives on is illuminated by His light, and the shadows fade away.
Jesus’ love overpowers the darkness within us, but it also overpowers the darkness around us. In a world that sometimes feels like it’s teetering on the edge of despair, where conflict, tragedy, and suffering are too often front-page news, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The darkness of the world can sometimes feel like it’s encroaching on our lives, too. But we are not left to face it alone. His love is a shield that protects us from the external forces that would seek to discourage us, tear us down, or rob us of our peace. When we rest in His love, we can stand firm, knowing that no external circumstance can touch the inner peace that comes from Him.
This love also empowers us to step into the world with confidence, even when fear seems to be a constant companion. With His love, we don’t have to be defined by the challenges we face or the fears we carry. Instead, we are empowered to face them head-on, not with our own strength, but with His strength within us. We can approach life not with the trembling anxiety that often accompanies fear, but with the steady assurance that we are loved and held in His embrace.
It’s also important to recognize that the love of Jesus doesn’t just remove fear; it also changes the way we interact with others. When we experience His love for ourselves, we begin to reflect that love outwardly. This kind of love is contagious. As we allow it to transform us, it spills over into our relationships, and into the way we treat those around us. No longer do we need to operate out of fear of rejection or judgment. Instead, we can offer the same love and acceptance that we have received, extending grace to others as we have been graced.
There’s an undeniable power in love—especially the love of Jesus. It’s a love that transcends everything we know, a love that completely removes fear and overpowers the darkness. When we allow ourselves to be embraced by this love, we find that fear no longer holds us captive. We can breathe freely, knowing that we are safe, protected, and loved.
We live in a world where fear often seems to have the upper hand, but we are reminded by Abad’s words that there is a greater force at work. Jesus’ love is greater than any fear, any darkness, or any challenge. It is His love that makes us whole, that brings light into the deepest parts of our souls, and that empowers us to live boldly, without fear.
So, today, let us rest in His love. Let us allow it to remove the fear that holds us back, and let it shine through us to a world that desperately needs it. His love is more than enough to see us through—through every fear, every dark moment, and every struggle we face. And in that love, we find our freedom.