Three Tools for Overcoming Fear

 By Andrea Merrell

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 NKJV

 

Fear is a spirit that tries to harass us day and night. I lived under this bondage for a large portion of my life. But God has given us three tools to conquer fear:  power, love, and a sound mind. 

 

POWER

Jesus told His disciples they would be “clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49 NIV). The Passion translation calls it “the mighty power from heaven.” This power gives us the ability to put on the armor of God (Eph. 6) and then stand firm and strong against the deceit and tactics of the Enemy, resist him, and trust that God will fight the battle for us. When we speak God’s Word, we release power.

LOVE

Love is the greatest force in the universe (1 Cor. 13)—a life-changing force that covers a multitude of sins (1 Pet. 4:8). Fear contains torment, but perfect love (God’s agape love) drives away all fear (1 John 4:18). Love—the love of God in us—never fails.

SOUND MIND

We have been given the “mind of Christ” (1 Cor. 2:16). When we allow His mind to be in us, it creates sound judgment, personal discipline, and abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control. We are transformed by renewing our mind with God’s Word (Rom. 12:2).

The Word makes it clear that fear has no place in our life as a child of God. We have been given His power, His very own love, and a sound (self-controlled) mind. It’s a matter of trusting God, submitting to Him, resisting the Enemy, and watching the fear flee from us.

 

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Stuart Miles.)

 

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Do I Really Have a Sound Mind?

By Andrea Merrell

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 NKJV

If you’re anything like me, sometimes your mind seems anything BUT sound. The cares of this world press in on us, and we can find ourselves operating in confusion, frustration, and fear … without a trace of love.

According to Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, sound can mean anything from timber without defect or decay to a deep, undisturbed sleep. So, what does it mean to have a sound mind? Webster’s goes on to define it as healthy, solid, firm, and stable. The original Greek word indicates a mind that operates in a rational, reasonable, and logical manner. It is not controlled by outside forces—especially people, circumstances, and emotion.

In other words, a sound mind is focused, discerning, and in control. No matter how difficult things become, it enables us to make wise decisions and keep our priorities—and thinking—in order.

So, the question is: where and how to we obtain this type of mind? For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16 NKJV). If, as Christians, we have the same mind as our Lord and Savior, why do we have so much trouble with our thoughts and attitudes? In Philippians 2:5 we are told: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. The NIV puts it this way: Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.

Wow! That’s a tall order and puts the ball squarely back in our court. It’s like any other gift the Lord offers; we must believe and receive. It all begins with a choice.

If you’re struggling today to keep your thoughts in order and under control, let’s pray this prayer together:

Father, today I choose to allow the mind of Christ to be in me. Give me eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to understand in the same manner as my Lord. Thank you for these wonderful gifts: love, power, and a sound mind.

(Photos courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Stuart Miles.)

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