THE SPIRIT OF FEAR

Merriam-Webster gives the following meanings for the word fear: dread, fright, alarm, panic, terror, painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger.

In our society, the word phobia is often used to express the various fears that individuals experience and these fears (phobias) are divided into three major categories: specific, social, or open spaces. Additionally, our fears or phobias can be obtained genetically, culturally, or through life experiences. If you google the word, “phobia” you will be supplied with a list of the fears humans experience. I found a list of over 100 phobias, and sadly, it appears that humans fear almost everything.

Of course, I believe some fears are healthy for they often preserve our lives but notably from our birth onward the enemy seeks to plant within each of us the Spirit of Fear (phobia) via our life experiences, and for some of us, those fears grip us and hold us hostage. I am sure each one of us has our own story that we can share on how and where our fears began, and even how they have magnified over the years.

The great news for all of us is found in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” In attempting to get to the essence of this scripture, I looked up the keywords of this verse and found the following:
Fear = (deilia-Gk) timidity
Love = (agape-Gk) God’s love, affectionate regard, good-will, benevolence
Power = (dunamis-Gk) ability, abundance, strengthen, mighty work
Sound mind = (sophronismos-Gk) discipline, self-control, sound judgment

In Genesis 1:28, God commissioned humans to subdue and have dominion, and His edict has not changed. Hence, as believers, we do not have to lack confidence and question whether we can overcome the Spirit of Fear. Rather, in its place, we have God’s love that permits us to love those who we once feared. We have the ability and strength not to succumb to the terror we may be feeling, and furthermore, we have the ability to make sound judgment, practice self-control, and think correctly.

The Spirit of Fear is real, but the power of God is greater. So, I encourage you to use the spiritual tools that have been provided to all believers and put this spirit under your feet.