2 Tim. 1:7 says – ”For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline/ sound mind.” Do you notice that it says, “A SPIRIT OF FEAR.?” Fear is a bad spirit that does not come from Abba Father God. God says in Isaiah 35:4 – “Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.” (NLT translation)
Fear, worry and anxiety are silent killers which destroy not only our minds, but also our relationships. In Luke 12:22-32, Jesus teaches us to NOT be worried about what we will eat or drink, that He feeds the ravens, so how much MORE He will feed us. He said – “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” (V 25). He continued to say that He clothes the grasses and lilies in the fields, so He also clothes us. Verse 31 + 32 continue – “But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well…Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”
Christ calls us His flock because we are His sheep. He says in John 10:27 – “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Sheep never need to worry when their shepherd looks after them. Our Good Shepherd laid down His life for us, and He looks after us day by day, clothes and feeds us, not only physically, but also spiritually when we read His Word. We can truly rest in His caring love which provides for all our needs.
We all desire peace. Fear robs our peace and causes us to be anxious about many things. But our Lord reminds us – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6 – 7) Peace WILL follow when we give all our fears, problems, concerns and thoughts to Abba in trusting prayers.
When we hold onto our fears, afraid to let them go, then we are telling Abba Father that we do not trust Him enough to handle our difficult circumstances we are worried about. We need to believe His promises, for example Isaiah 41:10 which says “DO NOT FEAR! Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Fear makes us discouraged, depressed and troubled. Our lives must be controlled by faith – not doubting that our Lord will uphold, strengthen and help us. Faith overcomes fear! We need to build our faith in a holy, strong Father who lovingly looks after us and desires only His best for us.
When Joshua became the new leader of a great nation, he feared that he would not manage such an awesome task. Father God commanded Joshua in Joshua 1:6, 7 AND 9, to “be strong and courageous.” Verse 9 ends with “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Dearest Abba Father God, please forgive me when I have become fearful and anxious. Thank You so much that I need never fear the future or difficult situations because you have promised that you are ALWAYS with me. You will never abandon or leave me. I trust in Your faithful, ever-present care and provision. Amen
Myrtle Turunen