An online lifestyle magazine for Christian women
When I’m trapped in my own fears, 2 Timothy 1:7 is a crucial reminder that God does not want me to be afraid. For me, my biggest fear is having a relapse of my mental health issues and not being able to care for my daughter. For you, it could be wondering where your next paycheck is coming from, fears about the future of our country, or worrying about the health and safety of your family. As Christians, it’s important for us to learn how to overcome fear with God’s help.
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV
There are lots of thoughts that can cause us to be anxious, but the promise of God is that he gives us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. I specifically quoted the King James Version because I love the words that are used.
Let’s take a look at each of these words and examine what they mean for the believer who is relying on this promise from God.
The spirit that God places in us is one that has power. Whatever your circumstances look like, don’t believe the lie that you are powerless against your fears. You may not have the power to change the situation you are in. But you have the power to change how you walk through a trial. You don’t have to endure difficulty full of fear and anxiety. You don’t have to be defeated. You can walk with power and hope if you receive the spirit of power that God wants to give you, his Holy Spirit.
The spirit that God gives us is one of love. This means both receiving the love of God for us and pouring it out on others. When we know how much God truly loves us, this helps to overcome our fears because we trust that he is working for our ultimate good.
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18 KJV
It is so important to know how much God loves us and to receive that love.
The Bible also says that perfect love casts out fear. The one who fears has not been made perfect in love. If you are anxious or afraid, the antidote is to experience God’s love on a deeper level.
When we know the love of God, we also need to be expressing that love to others. You may be tempted to view other people as the source of your anxieties and fears if they are doing something that makes you afraid. An example I can think of right now is our political landscape. No matter what side you are on, you may be afraid of your rights being threatened or fear the uncertainty of what is to come. This may cause you to blame someone else for your fears. But if you know God’s love for you and love others with the love of God, you’ll pray for those people instead of fearing them. God is sovereign over world events, and we really should not be afraid of the future, no matter what challenges it holds.
As someone who has struggled with psychosis, the promise of a sound mind means a great deal to me. If you’ve wrestled with anxiety, it could mean a lot to you too. God promises to give us a sound mind when we are centered on him. If your mind is anything but sound, you need to evaluate your thoughts and your belief system, because the Holy Spirit does not give you mental instability.
Struggling with this does not mean that you aren’t a true believer, but it does mean that you may have allowed some lies to enter your life somewhere in your foundation. Examine yourself with Gods help, and he will bring you to a place of having a sound mind.
The “spirit” that is being referred to in the verse I quoted is the Holy Spirit, which is available to anyone who has accepted Jesus as their Savior. If you aren’t sure that the Holy Spirit is active in your life and you have accepted Jesus, try asking God for a renewed outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your life.
This spirit is God himself, working in your life and empowering you to live without fear. When we follow his leading, seek to know him through the Bible and through personal revelation, and consistently repent of the sins he convicts us of, he will take away our fears.
Lauren Magazine is an online lifestyle magazine for Christian women.
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