Living Fearfully
2 Timothy 1:7 [Amplified Bible]
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].”
While God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear, still man is fearful. Man fears the unknown, which is regrettable because we all have unknown factors in our lives. Regarding the future we have no knowledge. Regarding the present we only know what we see and hear. Regarding the past, we are unfortunately susceptible to whatever others tell us, never knowing if what we’re being told is truth or fiction. Our nerves play a role in our fears. Worrying or fretting over things in the future is foolish because what will happen whether we like it or not. Why is that? Well, look at it this way ... if God knows all that can be known, and He controls all things, then HE is the one who holds the key to future events. God either causes or allows all that takes place on the earth. We can control what God would like us to control, by our thoughts, words, and actions, as led by the Holy Spirit.
There are times when what we see frightens us. That is why we must be cautious regarding what we see. We must be careful what TV shows we watch and what movies we go and see. The enemy, who has been given subservient power of this earth by God, is doing all he can to neuter our faith, by steering us into ungodly situations. THAT is precisely why we must draw close to God that He might draw all the closer to us. No matter what the Lord may allow to befall us in this life, we must accept and belief that it is for our ultimate good and not designed to harm us in any way. As believers we’ve been given every tool we need to weather any storm. The devil knows the chink* in our armor. He knows where we are vulnerable. We must stay in God’s Word and be in prayer.
Humans are emotional creatures. They can be overly emotional or be rather deadpan, not really showing any emotion at all. But fear always conjures up all sorts of images in our minds. Fear is NOT from the Lord, but from the devil. He will play that card endlessly until he receives the desired result. Don’t give him the satisfaction. Trust God and know that fear is merely passing by us like a sudden storm. Fear should find no home in your heart. Rely on God, trust Him for all things. Living in fear to the point where it overtakes your life and remains front, and center is sinful living. Not going to hell sin; just the type of typical, everyday sin that nibbles at our heels each day. It need not affect us in a negative way. God knows what He’s doing and will lead you away from your fearful situation so that you can see that it was really nothing at all. God is truly greater than anything else in His creation. Trust God in all things.
Hebrews 13:5 [Amplified Bible]
“...for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” If the Creator of the universe is with you wherever you go in the Person of the Holy Spirit within you, then wouldn’t it be an insult to Him if we still became fearful. (I know that easy to say and not so easy to do, but wouldn’t it be nice to be able to relax and know that God has got things completely under control ... so there really isn’t any reason to become fearful. We need to talk ourselves into believing that.)
Next we’ll take a look at avoiding bitterness. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In His Name & for His Glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
* A narrow opening, such as a crack or fissure.
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