For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. – 2 Timothy 1:7
How do you handle fear? Would you say your fears are rational or irrational? When you are bombarded by daily news of one crisis or another, whether international wars or the illness or near-death of a loved one, the central amygdala of your brain begins sending “alert” messages to other parts of your body, which react by releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This increases blood pressure and heart rates, quickens breathing, and even warms up muscles. Your body automatically prepares for a fight-or-flight reaction. The degree of this reflex is proportionate to the level of fear. Dr. Zachary Sikora, a psychologist at Northwestern Medicine Clinic, says, “Fear is a natural and biological condition that we all experience. It is important that we experience fear because it keeps us safe.”
However, fear is complex, and much of it tends to be based on possible unwanted circumstances or outcomes. This causes negative and unneeded consequences to your physical, emotional, and spiritual life. That is why God continually tells you in Scripture to guard your thoughts, for they are where irrational fears originate (Proverbs 4:23-27, Romans 12:2). The Holy Spirit provides the Christ-follower power, love, and self-control to replace the fear that tempts your mind. Faith in Christ and His love is the antidote to fear’s poisons. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear“ (1 John 4:18). “In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16).
When fears begin to threaten your mind, focus on the love and sovereignty of God and search out Scriptures about His attentiveness, love, and care for you. As you affirm His sufficient grace in times of trouble through prayer, give Him thanks and acknowledge your dependence upon Him. Give your fears and anxieties to the Lord as you receive His love and power through the Holy Spirit. Then, pray for decision-makers in positions of authority to do what they can to glorify and magnify God and reduce public fears.
Today’s Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7
for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
