# Keeping Him at Bay

By Frank Mann Jr. · Thursday, July 30, 2026 · *1 John 4:18*

So Tuesday was Treatment Tuesday, and it was my 68th round of a drug I've been on for a few years now. What's crazy is, while I know it's working currently, I'm always a little afraid that this could be the week it stops. Some weeks are a little more paralyzing than others, but it's the same fear.

I'm sure I'm like the rest of us when I say I'm bad about fear and worry. No matter how much I KNOW my life is in God's hands and He always provides, I still get caught in worry. When that happens, I think we're not necessarily driving God away, but we're certainly keeping Him at bay.

> "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love."

> 1 John 4:18

Most Christians don't think of their worry as a hindrance to what God wants to do in their lives. But it is. Fear can be paralyzing, especially in the face of spiritual challenges.

For non-believers, succumbing to fear reflects self-doubt. For believers, though, it can reveal a lack of faith in God's absolute power, providence, and goodness. In the words of Jesus:

> "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?"

> Matthew 6:27

So this week, when the fear creeps in again, I'm going to try to let His love push it back out. One more time.

Be Nice. Grace Wins.

FMJ

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Read on Be Nice Grace Wins: https://benicegracewins.com/devotionals/keeping-him-at-bay