“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” 
—2 Timothy 1:7, NASB

Reflection 

Beloved, fear is a real enemy that needs to be defeated in our lives. The torment that fear can bring is real, but God has not given us a spirit of timidity or fear. He has given us power and love and discipline, self-control. Jesus promises freedom throughout the Scriptures: You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. 

God wants His children to find the way and the strength necessary to overcome fear. His grace is at work in your life, empowering you with new strength. The Holy Spirit gives spiritual breakthrough so that you will be empowered to overcome fear, not by striving in your own strength, but by receiving what God imparts through His Word, His presence, and His love. 

God loves us with an everlasting love, and His love is the perfect antidote for any fear we may face. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. As you experience the love of God in a fresh way and learn to trust Him with your heart, your fears will depart and be replaced by His presence. 

The reality is that everybody struggles with fear. Fear can begin early and cling deeply, but God in His great faithfulness sets His people free and continues to set them free. If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. It is God’s desire that His people live free from fear. As you read and meditate upon the truths of God’s Word, you receive biblical revelation about the causes, effects, and solutions to fear. As you apply these truths through prayer and faith, you discover new freedom and learn to walk in spiritual liberty, the liberty Christ purchased for every one of us through the cross. 

The Father of glory gives a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. He enlightens the eyes of your heart so you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. 

God is your refuge, your fortress, and your defender. He is your protector, shield, and place of safety. By knowing this about God, you are ready to wage war against every type of fear that tries to invade your heart and life. He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Say to the Lord, my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. 

Application 

• Meditate on God as your refuge, fortress, defender, protector, shield, and place of safety.  

• When fear tries to invade your heart, apply God’s truth through prayer and faith, trusting His perfect love to cast it out.  

Prayer 

Father of glory, give me a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You. Enlighten the eyes of my heart so I may know the hope of Your calling and the surpassing greatness of Your power toward me as I believe. Teach me to trust You with my heart, and let my fears depart and be replaced by Your presence. You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Set me free by the liberty Christ purchased for me through the cross. Amen.