Fear is a Stronghold

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Fear is a Stronghold

Andrea Lende • July 7, 2022

II Timothy 1:7

Fear is a Stronghold

You can listen to the devotion and prayer at: https://anchor.fm/andrea-lende/episodes/Fear-is-a-Stronghold-e1kuekq

II Timothy 1:7

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.

The past couple years have certainly been wrought with fear.

Fear can become a stronghold if we don’t stand against it.

In some ways, we have normalized a new way of living under the pandemic.

Even though we may feel like we are dealing with this new normal seemingly well, underlying fears still exist without us being aware of it.

Here’s how I know this.

As much as I feel like I do not live in fear, when something new happens, I find myself afraid again.

Strangely, it takes very little to incite the fear that I thought no longer existed.

So, fear has become a stronghold.

Our passage today reminds us that fear is not from God.

Paul writes about the “spirit of timidity.”

The Amplified Bible defines timidity to mean cowardly fear and fear that makes us cringe.

I am both confronted and convicted by the Word today, but thankful the Word speaks Truth to my heart.

God’s Word shows us when we are not aligned with His will, so we have an opportunity to come back into alignment with Him.

Paul encourages us with what God has put in our spirit to break the stronghold of fear.

God has “[given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.”

We can lean into God’s power, love, a calm mind, a well-balanced mind, discipline, and self-control.

This is God’s will for us, and these things have the power to break the stronghold of fear.

Today I choose to believe in God’s power, His love, and His peace while He helps me wrangle my fears into full submission.

May you find the Lord replaces your fear with courage and weakness with power through His Almighty strength.

Daily Prayer:

O Lord, thank You for teaching us that fear does not come from You. Thank You for teaching us that a timid spirit does not come from You either. You give us a spirit of power, love, peace, discipline, and self-control. Thank You, Father, for these wonderful gifts. Help us call upon You when we feel weak and fearful. Break every stronghold of fear in our lives. Help us call upon Your power as we face trials and difficulties. There is nothing we cannot overcome as You lift us up and strengthen our spirit. Help us remember Your Spirit resides within us. Help us remember that You are the Creator and Almighty God, and You will sustain us in all things. Help us bless someone this day. Thank You for hearing our prayer.

Answer: I AM the Great I AM, and My Spirit is within you and is always working inside of you.

Response: Thank You Almighty God and King. Amen

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