God hath not given us the spirit of fear

2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

There are many things that the Lord has given us. He has bestowed upon us His great salvation. He has lavished us with His tenderest love and His most patient kindness. He has borne with us despite our frailty, faults, and fallacies. He has given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness. He has given us all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. And yet, there are certain things that He has not given us. And one of those things is the spirit of fear.

Fear is contrary to the Lord and His nature. He is a God of confidence, of boldness, and of courage. We are repeatedly commanded to “be strong and of a good courage,” we are told to “fear not,” for He is with us. All fear is to be dispelled, for it does not proceed from the Father. It does not originate in the Spirit of God, nor does it emanate from His character. It is, in fact, of the devil, who is the arch-enemy of our souls. The devil invokes fear. He precipitates trepidation, he generates timorous and frightened behavior. He wants the children of God to be in bondage to his fear, for he is the producer of such things. Think with me! For you see! Why would God produce fear in us if we are already His? There is fear for those who know Him not, for they shall be separate into a fearful place. There is fear for those who disregard His laws, and disobey His precepts. But, alas, for all who follow Him, why should we fear? We should not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea! For the Lord of hosts is with us, and the God of Jacob is our refuge! God is not the author of fear. He is the author of courage and power. And this is why we must be told this great truth. For Timothy was afraid. He lacked courage in his ministry because of lack of encouragement from others, and because others did not believe in him as he would have hoped. But he is told by Paul to “stir up the gift of God, which is in thee.” Fear not! Stir it up! Be not dismayed! Be strong and do it!

Dear friend, are you fearful of something today? Cast off fear. Eliminate it as though it were an evil plague. For it is not of God! My friend, God has given you other things. He has given you power through the Spirit of God! Draw on His power today. Lean upon Him. He has given you love. And perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath torment. Let the love of Christ and His Spirit fill you today, that you may show this same love to others.And He has given you a sound mind. Fear distorts the mind, and throws us into dysphoria. A fearful mind is not a sound mind. Stop fearing! Begin trusting! Cease from worry, and commence a new day of courage and confidence. Because He has not given you this spirit of fear! He has given you love, power, and a sound mind. Take all fear to Him today, and take His courage in exchange!

“Heavenly Father, we confess that we have been controlled many times by our own fear. We have not come to you to take our fear away. Please forgive us, and sever all fear from our hearts and minds this day. For we are Thine, and Thy Spirit lives in us. Give an abundance of power, of love, and of a sound mind. This is what we need. We surrender all fear to Thee, for it did not come from Thee. Help us this day. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.”