Devotional Message

There is fear that lives inside each of us, quietly releasing paralyzing effects that stop us in our tracks, preventing us from walking on the path God has laid before us. When we find ourselves in this space, we halt from taking aligned action, we quiet our voices, we ignore our own power, we hide our true selves, and we diminish our own light. Fear becomes the place from which we operate, decide, and live. The irony, however, is that this fear-based nature is quite the opposite of our spiritual identity—we are created on the foundation of love, therefore it is within us at all times. To detach from this false identity we’ve built, we must access the antidote to fear—the elements of power, love, and sound thinking.

The source of these qualities is not human or self-effort—it’s through awakening God’s Spirit inside of us. How do we access power? We use our God-given abilities and authority to serve others with confidence. How do we experience love? We offer kindness, compassion, and grace toward both ourselves and others rather than harboring resentment, hatred, or bitterness. How do we maintain a sound mind? We practice discipline and self-control within moments of feeling tempted or anytime we feel triggered. These three qualities work together seamlessly, as they face fear head-on by leveraging God’s divinity inside each of us to overpower it. This verse appears in Paul’s encouragement to Timothy to use his spiritual gifts boldly—inviting you to do the exact same with what God has given you. Remember, whenever fear rises within you, it is not from God—it is a counterfeit spirit that contradicts the true Spirit He has placed within you.

Let’s Pray

Dear God, I confess that fear has taken hold of my heart, leading me to ignore the gifts of power, love, and sound thinking that your Spirit has given me. I recognize that this spirit of fear does not come from you, but contradicts who you’ve created me to be.

I want to overcome these fearful thoughts and shift my actions so that I can be a vessel for your love and purpose. Please help me live from my true spiritual identity rather than being controlled by emotions or negative thoughts. Thank you for your presence that immediately dispels fear, and for empowering me to step out in faith despite those fears that periodically arise. Remind me today that you have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind. Amen.

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