Live in Confidence, Not Fear
ICS Daily Devotions
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
There are many fears we face. One is the fear of man. Even the Apostle Peter and Barnabas gave in to it. They were eating with the Gentiles, but they stopped because they were afraid of the Jews, who had many dietary restrictions (Galatians 2:12-13). However, God has declared that all things are edible once we have given thanks (1 Timothy 4:4-5).
Another fear is the fear of the unknown, such as the different scenarios and outcomes of what we are facing in life. It can grip us mentally, emotionally, and at times physically, depending on the extent to which we allow it to immobilise us. Most of us think we can control our lives, but no one can have absolute control. There will be occasions when we feel we have lost control of our lives, and no amount of money can resolve it.
Other types of fear that may engulf us include:
– Fear of missing out (FOMO) or losing out.
– Fear of not being able to transition into the corporate world after graduating from university, which causes some to continue with endless academic studies. It is escapism.
– Fear of being abandoned or betrayed by our spouse as we age. This can make us insecure and, consequently, suspicious and worried. Insecurity is the worst emotional enemy.
– Fear of being abandoned by our children in old age, so we become jealous of the attention they give to their spouse, which leads to bad in-law relationships.
– Fear of not having enough money for retirement due to the rising cost of living and inflation.
– Fear of falling sick and becoming chronically ill; thus, we react to every symptom in our bodies. We read and listen too much to others’ experiences, which makes us doubt even medical specialists.
– Fear of dying. Everyone ages and will eventually pass away. It is a fact of life.
– The greatest fear that one will face will be on the day when we meet the Creator God who is holy, just, and righteous, face to face on the Day of Judgment.
We need to know that fear is the devil’s work; it does not originate from God, nor does God use it to teach us a lesson. We can overcome cares and anxieties because God has given us a spirit of power, of love, and of sound mind. Therefore, let us take hold of what belongs to us when the devil uses fear to immobilise us and hold us in bondage!
We will have peace once we have dealt with the fear of men and their rejection because we will be more concerned about what God thinks of us. As for the fear of the unknown, God wants us to cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us. We can take comfort that God is with us and for us.
Reflection: Are you surrendering your fears to God and living with the confidence that He is for us and with us? Which fears is He calling you to lay at His feet right now?
Sermon Series: Are You Casting Your Cares to the Lord
