We all deal with fear to some degree. If not careful, fear’s first cousin anxiety can hang around too. But the first thing to know is that the spirit of fear does not come from God! 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear…” In fact, He gives us the exact opposite. Scripture continues on to say that God has given us a spirit “of power and of love and of a sound mind.” The fear you may be dealing with may have come from a situation, a weakness of the flesh, or a spiritual attack of the enemy (Guzik, commentary). However, the solution is there for us to receive if we want. Take authority over the spirit of fear and trust God! Below are 3 Ways to Overcome Fear.
3 Ways to Overcome Fear
The Spirit of Power
When God calls us to an assignment, sends us on a mission, or asks us to step out in faith and use our gifts, He gives us the power to do so. In the previous scripture in vs. 6, Paul is telling Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God. Paul saw the fear in Timothy and spoke directly to it. Fear will grip and paralyze us from moving forward in our purpose. Instead, we should trust God that He is with us and safe in His hands. God’s Power is available for us! He told Joshua four times in the first chapter of Joshua alone, “Be strong and courageous” as he was about to take the lead from Moses. Friend, it’s time to step into your purpose. Know that God is with you and has equipped you with power!
The Spirit of Love
So often people act in fear because they lack control. Instead of trying to manipulate situations and people, we should learn to trust in God and abide in His sovereignty and love! This spirit of love is kind and seeks others (1 Corinthians 13). This love serves others. With the eyes of love, we can take the attention off of us and every distraction fades away. It’s unfortunate that people and circumstances will let us down. Yet, that should not dictate how we respond. We can trust God’s Word when it says in Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV), “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18 NKJV).
The Spirit of a Sound Mind
The Greek for sound mind in this text is the idea of a calm mind, which is in contrast to panic and confusion that fear and anxiety will bring (Guzik). God’s peace is there to guard our hearts and minds. When fear wants to rush in, peace and calm is the barricade to keep it from breaking through. Know that God has equipped us with everything we need to overcome Fear. The 3 ways to overcome fear is to take hold of the power, His love, and calm thinking (Guzik) so we can step into everything God has for us.
Additional Reading:
15 Scriptures to Fight Pregnancy Fears
Give Your Fears to Your Father by Max Lucado