If life seems like a seesaw to you right now, you’re not alone. We’re up one day and down the next. One authority says one thing, a different expert says something else. In our confusion, we’re like kids on a seesaw with love and fear. As we lean into God’s love, we rise. And, with a view from the top, we have a godly perspective. Even amid problems, mayhem, and our nation’s current problems, we can still see. But the moment we take our eyes off of God, feelings and emotions begin to run the show. Love slopes downward, and fear rises.

In 1 John 4, we see that love starts with God, and there’s no better time to celebrate His love than Christmas Day! Today, we should stop to truly recognize the ultimate gift He’s given us through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of His Son — whose love for us is so powerful, sacrificial, sufficient, and, well, perfect that we don’t have to fear. Because if Christ is for us, what can stand against us? There’s nothing we could possibly face that He has not already overcome!

With that in mind, picture a small child on the top of a seesaw with an adult sitting on the other end. As long as the adult stays in place, the child is stationary at the top. When Jesus is in His rightful place in our lives, we are anchored by His love; fear will not budge us! And when we’ve conquered that which makes us cower, bolstered above it through Christ, we gain great perspective that infiltrates every area of our lives.

Reflect on the past week. Has God been your anchor, or have you been on an emotional seesaw? Put those draining ups and downs to a halt and be emboldened by the fact that His perfect love drives out every shadow cast by fear. Rejoice in this because the new year ahead is looking brighter already!

Father, Thank You for the ultimate gift — Your Son — and the life You have made available through Him. Today I come before You with open hands, lay all of my fears and frustrations before You and lean into Your mighty love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.