CCES Devotionials: Fear

2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us the spirit of timidity (fear) but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline"

Healthy fear is an emotion that warns us of danger and prepares us to respond. But when a spirit of fear comes over us, it disrupts life, drains spiritual strength, and clouds our judgment. The word "power" in this verse means "the inexhaustible strength that comes from God". "Self-discipline" is a behavior of moderation and good judgment. Paralyzing, controlling fear is never from God.

There are 366 "fear nots" in the Bible. God is not condemning us for being afraid. He is telling us to turn to Him when those fearful times come. He is there for us in the middle of the fear-causing situation. Fear saps our energy and robs us of joy in life.

Fear comes from within us and then is attached to people and problems outside of us. Our many fears can be reduced to a few categories: fear caused by hurtful memories, fear of rejection, fear of failure, fear of losing control, fear of sickness and death, and fear of the future. All of this fear in our life can cause a paralysis in the present so that we cannot do today what God wants us to do.

Read Psalms 91 daily if you need to have victory over fear.

What fears are you battling today? Write them down and consciously give them over to God in prayer.

Go to the Bible and read: Psalms 27; Joshua 1:9; 2 Chronicles 20:17; Isaiah 12:2, 41:13, 43:1; Philippians 4:6,7,19; Hebrews 13:5 & 6.

By Elaine Olson

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