"For God gave us a spirit not of fear
but of power and love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
Fear is a common emotion. Most of us have experienced fear in one or more areas of life. Butterflies in one’s stomach before making a speech before a crowd or a few people. Moving from one stage of life to another often brings fearful thoughts. Unlike being momentarily afraid, the spirit of fear entails being driven by a demonic influence that hinders and even paralyzes us from fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives. It steals God-given dreams, imprisoning us in mediocrity and keeps us from reaching our full potential. The lack of faith, along with doubt, strengthens its grip. Instead of moving closer to God, we slowly find ourselves being separated from Him. Every time we choose not to trust God’s Word, the ground for the spirit of fear to thrive is cultivated. It’s impossible to walk in faith if we are unwilling to resist the promptings of fear. Prayerfully, as we embrace the truth that the spirit of fear is not of God, we’ll recognize its tactics and reject them on sight.
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear”.
1 John 4:18
The antidote for fear is love, specifically, God’s Love. As we consciously endeavor to receive God’s love, wholeheartedly, fear loses its power to entangle us in webs of doubt. The more we realize God’s love for us, the more the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind becomes our reality and governs our choices. Power equips us to face challenges without fear by leaning on God and entrusting outcomes into His hands. Love directs us in our engagements with people while restraining us in the exercise of power. A sound mind is a calm mind under the influence of God and not fear. Peaceful thoughts overpower fearful thoughts. Balanced in one’s disposition, we are alert when the spirit of fear is attempting to wage a takeover within our minds. God’s love empowers us to evict fear and trust Him confidently and courageously.
“Fear loses its place in our minds when we choose to trust the love God has for us, individually and for the world.”_ASA
Chronicles of ASA 