Monday Morning Encouragement -- Overcoming Fear

 


"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." 

2Timothy 1:7


The Apostle Paul writes these words to young timid Timothy to encourage him. He wants Timothy to boldly share the gospel as he himself is doing. 


In the original Greek, 2 Timothy 1:7 literally means God has not given us a mental disposition of fear (as in faithless fear), but of miraculous power and affection and self-control.

 


Whenever we feel fearful, we should remember that fear does not come from God. If not from God, it must come from ourselves, or from our enemy Satan. This is a good verse to remember and meditate upon when we lack courage. God has already given us everything we need to accomplish His purpose, but we must discipline our minds to grasp and act upon it.


Paul writes this to Timothy because boldness matters; without it, we can’t fulfill God’s purpose for our lives. God’s purpose for us is more than making money, being entertained, and being comfortable; it is for each of us to use the gifts He has given us to reach a lost and lonely world with the good news of His mercy and grace. Today, more than ever before, this truth needs to shine forth. We must not let fear keep us from sharing the gospel of Christ.


Ray Steadman writes:

"Did it ever occur to you that Christians are forbidden to fear? How many times in the Scriptures do we read that Jesus said, 'Fear not!' 'Let not your heart be troubled,' (John 14:1, 14:27). Do not let it go in that direction. Stop it when it starts going that way. God does not give us a spirit of fear. If we have such it is coming from another source, the enemy, who is the spirit of fear."


Today's music video I Will Fear No More by The Afters reminds us that our courage comes from the Lord.




I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.




20 comments

  1. The world is in such a state and I have always suffered with a bit of anxiety but strangely, through all of the covid "stuff' and happenings lately, I have a calmness of spirit. What is the worst that can happen to me? My God will be with me. And if I die, I'll be in Heaven with HIm. No question about it.
    I hope you have a lovely Monday, full of peace and joy.
    Blessings and love,
    Betsy

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    1. Betsy, thank you. It encourages me to read of your "calmness of spirit." I praise the Lord for that! Hugs.

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  2. Why is it I never think on Jesus when I am having bad days, bad moments, worry, fear and more? I know He is in control and I need to just listen with my heart.

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    1. Lynn, I believe it's just as Ray Steadman said. When we begin to worry and are fearful, we have to stop going in that direction. Every time we practice doing that it leads to that response being our first response instead of an afterthought. I just love your transparency, my friend! What a blessing you are! xx

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  3. I've always iked that verse - a great reminder! I never heard that song before, but it's good too.

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    1. Glad you liked the song, Mari, as well as that particular verse. It's always been an encouragement to me. xx

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  4. Beautiful post to start this week as we honor our presidents from the past that had courage and did not fear to move us to being free and better life. Fear can be so debilitating to us. Like in your post today if we just believe God is with us and gives us what we need to move forward and not fear what is ahead our lives will be better. Happy Monday. Hugs Kris

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  5. Praying for you, too, Nancy. Thank you.

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  6. So many good and relevant words today, Nancy...and a pretty planter to boot!! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. My pleasure, Kim. By the way, the planter is one I left behind in Oregon. Sorry to say. :-(

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  7. Zach loves that song so much. I often hear him playing it. He also loves "We Won't Be Shaken" by Building 429, among many others. No, God surely doesn't give us the spirit of fear. It is something I have really fought against my whole life, though, and I still struggle much with it, at times. I wonder if I will ever be completely victorious over it in this life. God bless you today, my friend.

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    1. Judging by the number of times "Fear not" is used by the Lord, I'd say fear is a common emotion among His people, Cheryl. By His grace we have power to overcome it with scripture and prayer. God bless you!

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  8. Hi Nancy, I am reminded that I was told, stop, thing, what is TRUE? If we focus on truth, our focus will also be on God. Be strong and courageous. Don't fear.

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    1. "If we focus on truth, our focus will also be on God." So true! Thank you, Linda.

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  9. Love the white dish, Nancy, is that a soup tureen? Anyway, it is perfect for the flowers, this image really cheered me.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. So glad I could bring some cheer your way, Amalia! The white dish is one I picked up at a second hand store years ago when I lived in Oregon. It's very thick and it was quite dirty, so I think it was originally used to hold a plant, although there were no holes in it for drainage. Anyway, I just placed potted plants in it. I though it was so pretty. Sadly, I gave it away when I moved.

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  10. Such a timely devotion Nancy! Indeed, fear is something that comes to visit all of us, at one time or another - but we don't have to let it become a heart resident. Through our faith in Jesus, we can walk on in faith, instead of fear. When I face fearful thoughts, I remember Peter in the storm, fearing the waves because he took his eyes off Jesus. So I put my eyes on Jesus, praise Him, and ask Him to be with me. What a beautiful song you shared! We don't have to live in fear, although we all have to experience fear - but we can praise our way out of the fear, and live in His strength. Blessings to you dear friend, always a good word from the Lord - and I love your beautiful plant! Hopes are rising now for springtime weather to come soon :)

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    1. Well said, my friend. Your comments always convey the truth of God's word, and edify Him. Thank you. Yes, spring is very near. This girl is ready! Hugs.

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