GOD'S POWERFUL PRESENCE

Timothy 1:7

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

What is it that you fear? I have dealt with some fear in my life. On the surface, I fear tight enclosed places, but down deeper, maybe the fear is loss of control. I think many of us fear failure, rejection, or even pain. At times I think we even fear speaking from the depth of our hearts, because we want to be accepted and loved.

Fear speaking from the depth of our hearts because we want to be accepted and loved. Fear can trap us. It takes away our power, and the Lord said that He didn't give us fear but power! Fear, as an emotion, will come at us from time to time and try to stop us dead in our tracks. Fear will keep us tethered like a ball to a pole. It can only go in circles. It can't really fly, and the Lord wants us as believers to soar!

In Paul's statement to Timothy, you might note that he doesn't say that God is referring to those "strong, courageous, powerful, or influential people." He simply refers to "us." The Lord did not give "us" a spirit of fear. He is speaking of you and me. I believe that the Lord wants us to look fear straight in the eye and see it for what it is and for what it isn't. The Spirit of fear is not something that comes trom our Creator, It is something the devil uses to stop us in our tracks. It can literally put a roadblock in our life, as you find yourself tethered to it going in circles. The Bible says 365 times to "fear not? I always wonder if that was because God knew that every day we would need a reminder that He is with us, that whatever we tear, He will walk through with us.

When fear of any kind begins to try to invade our mind and our life, it is not the time to succumb to it, it is the time to stand, to remind ourselves that F.E.A.R. is really just False Evidence Appearing Real. Most of the things we fear haven't even happened yet. We are dealing with false evidence. But it can appear to be real to us.

Remember, fear is a spirit that doesn't come from God. What is it today that you fear? What holds you back? Today, bring it before His throne and ask Him to give you healing strength in spite of yourself. And remember that our God created us to soar. The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit brings us power, love, and self-discipline. We shouldn't be timid. The powerful presence of our almighty God lives within us!!!

Father, thank You for this day and breath of Your Word. Lord, let Your abundant blessings flow over us and our family today.

Lord, we praise and thank You for Your indwelling Holy Spirit and thank You that our life is hid with Christ in God. Lord, thank You that You have not given us a Spirit of fearfulness, but one of power and love and of a sound mind. Lord, may we not fear rejection or ridicule in this increasingly hostile world. Lord, please fill us with your Spirit, so that we can be a person of character and compassion, demonstrating power, love, and self-discipline in our lives. Lord, use us to be a bold witness of Your mercy and grace to others today.

Father, we love You. Amen.