“God has not given us THE SPIRIT OF 1FEAR; but of POWER, and of LOVE, and of a SOUND MIND.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
FEAR is a natural emotion designed by God. However, fearfulness is not designed by God, for fearfulness implies living in a state of fear. The Greek word used here for “fear” is 1deilia, which indicates cowardice and timidity and is never used in a positive way in the Bible. FEAR acts as a protective device placed in us by our Creator to activate all our physical systems when faced with real danger. Fear triggers the release of adrenaline in the body, which propels us to action—action called “FIGHT OR FLIGHT.”
The “spirit of fear” is different kind of fear. This “fear” hinders what God has given us: His POWER, LOVE and SOUND MIND. The “spirit of fear” grips us with doubts and insecurities, waging war with our thoughts and feelings. This kind of fear IS NOT OF GOD but of the enemy, the devil. Fear is one of the greatest weapons Satan uses against us, as it attacks our minds. He tells us that we are NO GOOD, NOT WORTHY, UNLOVED AND USELESS. These thoughts affect us all, he picks on everyone, no one is spared. HOW CAN WE FIGHT AGAINST SUCH THOUGHTS? By believing the truth of the second part of the verse. God through His Holy Spirit has given us POWER, LOVE AND A SOUND MIND, NOT IN OUR STRENGTH BUT IN HIS.
We should consider that the word “fear” really is a four-letter word that should be considered profanity. Wouldn’t it be great if we could somehow have it censored from all of our thoughts and feelings, like bleeping out a bad word? But unfortunatly, the devil see’s to it that fear is very much a part of our reality, even more so than we realize or want to admit.
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might LIVE THROUGH HIM…There is no fear in love. But PERFECT LOVE DRIVES OUT FEAR, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:9, 18)
O, Lord, I pray today, that You teach us how to live VICTORIOUSLY OVER FEAR, through the empowering love and strength of Your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, we ask that You break the strongholds of fear that bind us and prevent us from experiencing the peace and joy that You have provided for us. Amen.
Thank you, Lord, for your perfect love…Bill Stockham