for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7 ESV.
On Monday we looked at God's command to Joshua to have courage. God told him "Be strong and courageous," (Joshua 1a ESV) in order to encourage him because of the enormity of the task before him. He would have to lead this less than perfect people through many obstacles to arrive at the place God had prepared for them.
Fears and Doubts
The people of Israel would have to overcome many of there fears, too. At teach step of their journey there were sure to be fears and doubts. They had either grown up as slaves or as nomads in a desert. What did they know about becoming conquerors? How would they know how to govern the land once they ruled it? How would they adjust to a settled life after their lives as wanderers?
Irrational Fear
Sometimes our fear is irrational. For example, a child might be fearful of a perfectly pleasant bedroom once the lights are turned off and the shadows loom large. Irrational fear is not limited to children. It come out of extensive worry over things that we cannot control. This sort of fear has its origin in distrust. One who lacks confidence that God is in charge can easily become fearful of the things of this world.
The Reality of Fear
Certainly fear can be irrational, but most often, our fears are based on realities. People are afraid that they will lose their job based on the economic health of their company or their job performance reviews. A unique new pain carries a fear of what the doctor may say. The tone of voice and body language between two people creates fear that the relationship is not going well. The missed mortgage payments and subsequent letters from the bank create a perfectly reasonable fear that the home may soon be lost.
Is Fear Bad?
I don't think so. I don't think that fear in itself is a bad thing. Fear can motivate us into action. Rational fear comes about as a result of a proper understanding of our circumstances and can be a call to do something about them. The key is who remains in charge - the fear or us?
Our Response to Fear
2 Tim. 1:7 tells us the correct understanding of the role of fear in our lives. It is not to take control. We all have fears, but we must not have a "spirit of fear." In other words, it must not dominate our way of thinking. We must treat our fears in a healthy way and then release them.
As Israel entered into the Promised Land there would have been many moments where fear could have taken over considering all the questions asked earlier. It would have been easy to hear, "we can't do this." But we have a clearer understanding from hindsight of what God intended for them. He created them to be conquerors, not fearful.
A Perfect Blend to Combat Fear
Power, Love and Self-Control
Instead of a spirit of fear, we are to embrace a "spirit of power, love, and self-control." I am glad that Paul included all three of these together as a response to fear. Can you imagine the pitfalls of any one of these absent others in response to fear. Power can certainly be abusive with love or self-control. Love can be ineffective without the other two and self-control makes little sense with the others. The three together create a perfect mechanism to fight our fears.
So, release your fears. Give them over to God. You are created to be a conqueror. Mobilize His spirit of power, love and self-control.
Have the courage to Overcome.
Jeremy Camp puts to music the call to Overcome. Enjoy.
Overcome by Jeremy Camp
