The following poem was found among the possessions of an atheist after his death:

“I’ve tried in vain a thousand ways
My fears to quell, my hopes to raise;
But what I need the Bible says
Is Jesus, only Jesus.”

Why did an atheist have this poem? Who gave it to him? Did he heed its message before death? We do not know the answers to these questions. Perhaps he wrote these lines in a time of great fear and desperation, having found his atheism bankrupt.

Fear is an enemy of man. All men. And who has not experienced fear? It stalks us all and steals the joy and peace that God intends for us to have and enjoy.

The Bible is filled with “fear nots.” It is said that there is one for every day of the year. Real release from fear comes through resting in the perfect love of God. As we relax in His love, we become settled in the truth that nothing can reach us without passing through the protective wall of His love: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Acceptance of this great promise depends on confidence in the love of God.

Perfect love casts out fear.

And His love is perfect!