Have you ever experienced a little girls’ slumber party? Singing, laughing and dancing around all until mom says it’s time for bed. The kids ignore her as if she hadn’t spoken a word. Finally, at some point, mom turns off the lights! Squeals and shrills that could literally break glass start echoing in the room as the children stumble around in a sudden fearful state. Everything seemed to change instantly when the room went dark, when in fact, nothing had changed at all. The girls just couldn’t see anymore. They were afraid of the dark. I think we’re all a little like that if we are being honest. What we can’t see, we’re afraid of. What we can’t control, we’re afraid of. Just the possibility of a bad doctor’s report sends us into anxiety and fear. What if? What if? What if? The list goes on forever. Fortunately, we have a wonderful promise made to us from God. It’s found in the book of 2 Timothy chapter 1 (NKJV). “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Wow! That’s a short statement with a whole lot of meat on the bone!

First of all, He calls “fear” a “spirit”. He also reminds us that it IS NOT from Him. So obviously, it’s something from the enemy’s camp that is trying to get us to see our circumstances from the wrong perspective. This spirit of fear is trying to sway you over from believing God and believing it instead. At this point, you have a choice to make. I think we all know the correct answer to this decision; but how many times do we fall into fear’s trap? It just seems so scary! In fact, it is scary for you to be in agreement with fear. It backs you into a corner and now fear is literally running the show. It calls the shots! It will paralyze you. All the while, you’re sinking under the weight of whatever “it” is. This is absolutely not God’s plan for you, however, He knows we’re human and we’ll make wrong choices. Let’s dive in further to see what being in agreement with God looks like. 

So we know He hasn’t given us the spirit of fear, however, the second part of that scripture tells us what He has given us. He’s given us power, love and a sound mind! These three are certainly from the Lord and offer safety and freedom. That sounds so much better!

We’ve been given power. Not just any power, His power! Power in this world looks like wealth, possessions and status. God’s power that He’s bestowed on us is the power through the Holy Spirit that dwells in us if we belong to Him. This power trumps all of the circumstances in this world. No financial matter, no health condition, nor any unforeseen situation can stand up to this dynamic power! It comes attached with hope and security from on High. Romans 15:13 (NLT) says “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” So this is not our fleshly power. The Holy Spirit’s power is strong enough to handle any situation with His unlimited resources and give us joy and peace at the same time. Even in the midst of the worst adversity, we can be at peace because our God is greater! This sure sounds better than being paralyzed with fear. Let God handle your issues and know with confidence that He will! The One who knows all things is able to “accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think” according to the book of Ephesians. Good stuff!

The second condition God offers us in this promise is LOVE. God is Love and is willing to pour it out to His children. When we’re in a tight spot, His compassion and mercy kick in big time! The devil, himself, is scared of us knowing this truth from God’s Word. He should be. It’s this very truth from God’s Word that defeats all of the enemy’s plans for our lives. The 32nd Psalm tells us, “Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.” There’s so many benefits to belonging to Jesus. He loves us with an everlasting love and wants to be involved with our circumstances. He cannot and will not fail. It’s just not an option. He wins every battle every time. 

Finally, the Lord has given us a sound mind. We certainly need a sound mind when dealing with the spirit of fear. Fear will try to trick you with lies and we, as children of God, must hold these lies up to the Truth of God’s Word for clarity. 1 Corinthians chapter 2 reminds us that “we have the mind of Christ.” We can find our peace in the midst of the storm just by getting Christ’s perspective on the situation. The devil wants us cowering down in fear and turmoil and Jesus has already paved the way for our triumph! He has the true prescription for every ailment we will ever face. You learn what God thinks about life circumstances by becoming familiar with His Word. Pick that Bible up!! It has all of the answers to life’s problems in it. Romans chapter 12 reminds us, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” He wants to get His thoughts into you so when the enemy fires off shots of fear, you are ready! You are armed with what God has to say about your situation and you can rest in His promises that follow your trust in Him. 

This life isn’t easy for the child of God. It seems like there’s an ambush around every corner. We don’t belong here. The Bible says we’re foreigners in this world. So many issues arise on a daily basis that cause us to make a choice of fear or faith. I’m certain if we magnify the Lord over our temporary afflictions, we will hear the Holy Spirit whisper, “Don’t be afraid.”

Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband, Robby and cat, Harold.