Facing your fear

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Scripture for today: 2 Tim. 1:7

Renowned advice columnist Ann Landers reportedly received 10,000 letters per month. When asked about the most common problem in her readers’ lives, she answered, “The one problem above all others seems to be fear. People are afraid of losing their health, their wealth, and their loved ones. People are afraid of life itself.”

If you’re one of those people troubled by fear, consider these words from the apostle Paul. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love; and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7, KJV). As you meditate upon this verse, note these key weapons against fear.   

Power — The word in the original language for power is "dynamis," from which we get our English word dynamite. It appears over 100 times in the New Testament, perhaps most notably in Jesus’ final words before ascending back to heaven: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has comes upon you; and you shall be My witnesses..." (Acts 1:8)   

Love — The Greek word here is "agape," which is love in its purist form, undefiled and unconditional. The same word for love is used in the following: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). When God’s unconditional love is allowed full influence over our souls, angst and apprehension lose their grip.             

Sound mind — This final point in Paul’s trilogy of instruction literally means “self-control.” Timothy could not hope to influence others if he could not first gain mastery over himself.   As Scripture records, “Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit” (Prov. 25:28). 

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