2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
One of the most pervasive emotions that destroy victory is fear.
Scripture states that God has not given us the spirit of fear. Yet many of us live our lives based on it.
We fear how we appear to others.
We fear people who look or believe differently than we do.
We fear making mistakes.
We fear failure.
We fear that our past will catch up to us.
We fear the future.
We fear the “what if?”.
I have found myself in situations where I have been in fear of one or more of the above situations. And I will admit that it is difficult to find courage some days-especially in the times we live in now.
But the fact remains that God does not give us the spirit of fear. And if God does not give it to us, it means that it comes from one of two sources-our own minds or the devil.
If we simply go by what we see around us, not understanding the power that we have within us, then of course we will be in an almost constant state of fear. And you can trust and believe that if God has given us a vision, but it is one that is challenging or will stretch us beyond our current capabilities, the devil will try to keep us from reaching it.
We are all human, and sometimes life seems overwhelming. At times, it seems hopeless. But remember that the power you have within is greater than the challenges that surround you. I must remind myself of that on a regular basis.
Let’s look at what the Scripture says about overcoming fear:
John 14:27 (NIV)
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Psalm 118:6 (NIV)
6 The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Note the scriptural reference at the top that quotes 2 Timothy 1:7.
What God gives us is power, love, and a sound mind. Not fear. Powerful people do not have any need of fear. But it is the recognition that the power comes from God Himself-not us. Perfect love casts out all fear because we understand that we are loved by God, and that His loves dwells within us. We may doubt the love of others, but there is no doubt in His. And if He loves us, then we know that He will shield us from destruction. We may get a scratch or two here and there, but we will not be destroyed. And if He gives us a sound mind, then we will discern whether a fear we have is based on a true danger-or one that is simply perceived by our own assumptions or planted by the devil.
During trying times, we must all remember to hold on to our joy.
God has not given us the spirit of fear!
Blessings!
Sharon.
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