Life often throws us curveballs, and sometimes it feels less like a curveball and more like a full-on chaotic storm. In moments like these, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and even fearful. But as followers of Christ, we have a powerful promise that anchors us even in the most turbulent times
2 Timothy 1:7 NRSVUE for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.
This verse, s a foundational truth for every believer. It’s a direct antidote to the natural human tendency to give in to fear when circumstances seem out of control.
Someone once calculated that the words "fear not," or some variation of them, appear 366 times in Scripture. That’s one for every day of the year, plus leap year day!
Joshua 1:9 NRSVUE I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
A Spirit of Power
When we acknowledge Jesus Christ as our Lord, the Holy Spirit indwells us. This isn't just a warm feeling; it's the very power of God residing within us. This power isn't for us to manipulate situations, but to enable us to stand firm, to endure, and to live out God's will even when it's difficult.
Acts 1:8 NRSVUE But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
This power equips us to face any challenge, not in our own strength, but in His.
Scripture reminds us of God's strength that He instils within us.
Isaiah 41:10 NRSVUE do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
When we are weak, we are made strong by the Lord, and He holds us up. This s a picture of being carried and reinforced with power. Consider the armor of God in this picture. Without it—without Him—we are weak and at a severe disadvantage when warding off anxiety and fear. But it's in recognizing our weakness that we pick up the armor of God—we hold onto the Sword of the Spirit—and we are then made strong.
Ephesians 6:13-17 NRSVUE [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on the evil day and, having prevailed against everything, to stand firm. [14] Stand, therefore, and belt your waist with truth and put on the breastplate of righteousness [15] and lace up your sandals in preparation for the gospel of peace. [16] With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. [17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
In short, our weakness is what allows His strength to not only empower us. He strengthens us.
2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NRSVUE [8] Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, [9] but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. [10] Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong. (emphasis mine)
God upholds us. Because of this, fear has no place, and dismay can be conquered.
A Spirit of Love
Fear often separates and isolates. It makes us self-protective and hesitant to reach out. But God's spirit in us is a spirit of love – a love that is selfless, courageous, and enduring. When our hearts are filled with God's love, our focus shifts from our own anxieties to His unfailing faithfulness and His boundless grace, enabling us to love others even amidst turmoil.
1 John 4:18 NRSVUE There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love.
I am convinced that nothing can separate me from God’s love.
Romans 8:38-39 NRSVUE [38] For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, [39] nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Our belief in the saving grace of Jesus, in his conquering of death through his resurrection, is a miraculous bringing of us into intimacy with God! This intimacy is promised to us regardless of the circumstances waging war around us. There is no power great enough to rip us from the grip of His love.
A Spirit of a Sound Mind
Fear can cloud our judgment, leading to irrational decisions and paralyzing indecision. But the Holy Spirit grants us a sound mind, or self-discipline. This means we can think clearly, to discern God's will, and to act with wisdom even in chaotic situations. A sound mind, guided by the Spirit, allows us to maintain peace and make godly choices.
Philippians 4:6-7 NRSVUE [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 26:3 NRSVUE Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace, in peace because they trust in you.
We can be confident that God will keep every one of His promises and that He will keep those who stay focused and devoted to fixing their minds on the reality and supremacy of God in perfect peace. This means exercising our instincts, so we remain firmly rooted in our trust.
Remember the attributes of God. His sovereignty, omnipotence, omniscience, are irrefutable truths that bring amazing peace. But steadfastness is key to the concept of peace. This means that even when anxiety tumbles into our souls, we cling to the truths of who God is. so that we do not lose grip in the hours of dark anxiety.
Sometimes, when we're anxious, we feel guilty because we feel like we don't have enough faith. Unfortunately, as believers, which is often the very first thing we question, not only in ourselves but in others around us who are also suffering from anxiety. While there's no argument that faith plays a critical role in our relationship with the Father, it is also vital to note that just because we experience anxiety does not mean our faith has lessened or become non-existent!
Psalms 94:19 NIV When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
God brings us consolation! Not guilt. Not criticism. Not reprimand. Even relief! We do not need to add to our anxiety by being afraid to go to the Lord. Instead, run to the Lord and be held by his powerful arms that shield us. Admit your anxiety and fears to Him and allow Him to surround you with his comfort and everlasting love.
Why No Fear, Even in Chaos?
The world around us will continue to experience upheaval. Natural disasters, economic uncertainties, social and civil unrest – these things are part of our fallen world. However, as Christians, our hope is not in earthly circumstances or human solutions, but in the unwavering sovereignty of God.
God is in control even when things seem chaotic, God is still on His throne.
Psalms 46:1-3 NRSVUE [1] God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. [2] Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea, [3] though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah
God's presence is constant. We are never alone. The Holy Spirit is our constant companion, comforter, and guide.
Think about throwing a ball. You draw back your arm, use your body and forward motion to give velocity to the ball as your hand releases it, and the ball flies forward. If thrown well, it goes a far distance away from you. Think of your anxieties in this way. Just picture God and launch your anxieties in his direction. Use all your spirit to give velocity to the force with which you cast them on the Lord. He cares for you! He wants to carry them for you—He will catch them.
1 Peter 5:7 NRSVUE Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
The wonderful thing is that He doesn't throw them back. God knows when we're going to need things, too. Don't run out ahead of Him.
Matthew 6:34 NRSVUE “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Trust that God's grace will meet you when you need it. Not before and not too late. His timing is perfect, His strength is complete, and His ability to manage your anxieties far surpasses anything you may offer yourself.
So, the next time fear tries to creep in, remember the incredible gift God has given us: not a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Stand firm in that truth, knowing that with the Holy Spirit within you, you have everything you need to navigate any storm.
2 Timothy 1:7 NRSVUE for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.
This verse, s a foundational truth for every believer. It’s a direct antidote to the natural human tendency to give in to fear when circumstances seem out of control.
Someone once calculated that the words "fear not," or some variation of them, appear 366 times in Scripture. That’s one for every day of the year, plus leap year day!
Joshua 1:9 NRSVUE I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
A Spirit of Power
When we acknowledge Jesus Christ as our Lord, the Holy Spirit indwells us. This isn't just a warm feeling; it's the very power of God residing within us. This power isn't for us to manipulate situations, but to enable us to stand firm, to endure, and to live out God's will even when it's difficult.
Acts 1:8 NRSVUE But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
This power equips us to face any challenge, not in our own strength, but in His.
Scripture reminds us of God's strength that He instils within us.
Isaiah 41:10 NRSVUE do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
When we are weak, we are made strong by the Lord, and He holds us up. This s a picture of being carried and reinforced with power. Consider the armor of God in this picture. Without it—without Him—we are weak and at a severe disadvantage when warding off anxiety and fear. But it's in recognizing our weakness that we pick up the armor of God—we hold onto the Sword of the Spirit—and we are then made strong.
Ephesians 6:13-17 NRSVUE [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on the evil day and, having prevailed against everything, to stand firm. [14] Stand, therefore, and belt your waist with truth and put on the breastplate of righteousness [15] and lace up your sandals in preparation for the gospel of peace. [16] With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. [17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
In short, our weakness is what allows His strength to not only empower us. He strengthens us.
2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NRSVUE [8] Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, [9] but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. [10] Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong. (emphasis mine)
God upholds us. Because of this, fear has no place, and dismay can be conquered.
A Spirit of Love
Fear often separates and isolates. It makes us self-protective and hesitant to reach out. But God's spirit in us is a spirit of love – a love that is selfless, courageous, and enduring. When our hearts are filled with God's love, our focus shifts from our own anxieties to His unfailing faithfulness and His boundless grace, enabling us to love others even amidst turmoil.
1 John 4:18 NRSVUE There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love.
I am convinced that nothing can separate me from God’s love.
Romans 8:38-39 NRSVUE [38] For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, [39] nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Our belief in the saving grace of Jesus, in his conquering of death through his resurrection, is a miraculous bringing of us into intimacy with God! This intimacy is promised to us regardless of the circumstances waging war around us. There is no power great enough to rip us from the grip of His love.
A Spirit of a Sound Mind
Fear can cloud our judgment, leading to irrational decisions and paralyzing indecision. But the Holy Spirit grants us a sound mind, or self-discipline. This means we can think clearly, to discern God's will, and to act with wisdom even in chaotic situations. A sound mind, guided by the Spirit, allows us to maintain peace and make godly choices.
Philippians 4:6-7 NRSVUE [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 26:3 NRSVUE Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace, in peace because they trust in you.
We can be confident that God will keep every one of His promises and that He will keep those who stay focused and devoted to fixing their minds on the reality and supremacy of God in perfect peace. This means exercising our instincts, so we remain firmly rooted in our trust.
Remember the attributes of God. His sovereignty, omnipotence, omniscience, are irrefutable truths that bring amazing peace. But steadfastness is key to the concept of peace. This means that even when anxiety tumbles into our souls, we cling to the truths of who God is. so that we do not lose grip in the hours of dark anxiety.
Sometimes, when we're anxious, we feel guilty because we feel like we don't have enough faith. Unfortunately, as believers, which is often the very first thing we question, not only in ourselves but in others around us who are also suffering from anxiety. While there's no argument that faith plays a critical role in our relationship with the Father, it is also vital to note that just because we experience anxiety does not mean our faith has lessened or become non-existent!
Psalms 94:19 NIV When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
God brings us consolation! Not guilt. Not criticism. Not reprimand. Even relief! We do not need to add to our anxiety by being afraid to go to the Lord. Instead, run to the Lord and be held by his powerful arms that shield us. Admit your anxiety and fears to Him and allow Him to surround you with his comfort and everlasting love.
Why No Fear, Even in Chaos?
The world around us will continue to experience upheaval. Natural disasters, economic uncertainties, social and civil unrest – these things are part of our fallen world. However, as Christians, our hope is not in earthly circumstances or human solutions, but in the unwavering sovereignty of God.
God is in control even when things seem chaotic, God is still on His throne.
Psalms 46:1-3 NRSVUE [1] God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. [2] Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea, [3] though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah
God's presence is constant. We are never alone. The Holy Spirit is our constant companion, comforter, and guide.
Think about throwing a ball. You draw back your arm, use your body and forward motion to give velocity to the ball as your hand releases it, and the ball flies forward. If thrown well, it goes a far distance away from you. Think of your anxieties in this way. Just picture God and launch your anxieties in his direction. Use all your spirit to give velocity to the force with which you cast them on the Lord. He cares for you! He wants to carry them for you—He will catch them.
1 Peter 5:7 NRSVUE Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
The wonderful thing is that He doesn't throw them back. God knows when we're going to need things, too. Don't run out ahead of Him.
Matthew 6:34 NRSVUE “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Trust that God's grace will meet you when you need it. Not before and not too late. His timing is perfect, His strength is complete, and His ability to manage your anxieties far surpasses anything you may offer yourself.
So, the next time fear tries to creep in, remember the incredible gift God has given us: not a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Stand firm in that truth, knowing that with the Holy Spirit within you, you have everything you need to navigate any storm.
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