He freed me from all my fears.”
I remember sometime in that spring having a picture in my mind/spirit of a huge storm front rolling in – like watching a thunderstorm come in over the plains. However, this wasn’t just a physical storm. In my spirit I could see attached to the storm a demonic spirit of fear. No matter what the physical storm brought, I realized quickly that the spirit of fear was/is much more dangerous.
The NKJV of the Bible says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim. 1:7) The true God of the Universe does not cause us to fear. The Apostle Peter tells us that our, “[A]dversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV). The Apostle Paul tells us that our, “Combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms. For they are a powerful class of demon-gods and evil spirits that hold this dark world in bondage.” (Ephesians 6:12 TPT). It is the enemy of our souls and all the evil spirits that cause fear and hold this earth in bondage. God does not cause fear.
Paul tells us, “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:15 NKJV) And, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. (2 Tim. 1:7 AMP). God does not want us to be in bondage to fear.
Instead, God wants us to have a sense of security in our identity as his children. God wants us to have Holy Spirit-power, love, sound judgment, and personal discipline. When we are fearful we don’t think clearly or rationally. (Remember the lack of toilet paper in the stores?) Our “flight or fight” responses lead us – as individuals and as a society – to some very interesting actions. I know of people who have not left their homes in over a year. I know of people who have stockpiled items they feel are important to have in the (“likely”) event of societal breakdown. Others of us have taken other actions because of our fear, not because God’s Holy Spirit has given us power, love, sound judgment, and self-control. I understand that in any circumstance, an individual may act in ways inconsistent with their best interests, but I have been saddened – even horrified – by the responses many parts of Christ’s Church have taken in these past months.
1 God of grace and God of glory,
on your people pour your pow’r;
crown your ancient Church’s story,
bring its bud to glorious flow’r.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
for the facing of this hour,
for the facing of this hour.
2 Lo, the hosts of evil round us
scorn the Christ, assail his ways.
From the fears that long have bound us
free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
for the living of these days,
for the living of these days.
“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Cor. 3:17 NLT)
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 NLT)
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 NLT)