For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
God has not given us the spirit of fear, but the spirit of power, of courage and resolution; the spirit of love, which will carry us through opposition. The “spirit of fear” that Paul mentions here, is a spirit of fearfulness and timidity that does not come from God.
This spirit of fear causes us to doubt the plan of God in our lives and limit Him, and to overcome this “spirit of fear” we need to trust and love God completely. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18). No one is perfect, and God knows this. That is why He encourages us to “Fear Not” throughout the Bible.
Bible also says that the fear of the Lord brings with it many blessings and benefits. It is the beginning of wisdom and leads to good understanding (Psalm 111:10). However, this is the reverential fear of God that brings peace, prosperity, and joy into our lives and is not the same as the “spirit of fear” that yokes us. The reverential fear of God leads us to freedom but the “spirit of fear” cripples us.
Today, let us pray and bind the ungodly fear that causes us to doubt the work of God in our lives. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to cast out the fear of rejection or ridicule, and the fear of persecution, pain or even death. May we put our trust in Him who is faithful and will see us through to victory.
