2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us
timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. (NIV)
We live in fearful times, so many people feel anxious and
insecure. We worry about the future of our families, communities, and nations.
We wonder if peace will ever come or whether we will ever be safe. The spirit
of this post-modern era is full of self-doubt and uncertainty. The 21st
century, which so many of us thought would bring about wonderful solutions for
the security, health, and prosperity of the whole human race, has been a great
disappointment so far. Perhaps toward the end of this century, we may begin to
get it right.
As a pastor, biblical scholar, and theologian, I find it
difficult not to relate the decline in church-going Christianity with the societal
increase in fear and anxiety. It seems to me that the opposite fear is faith and
the reverse of anxiety is assurance. Christ came to offer both faith and
assurance to humanity, so is it too simple to think that the solution to the
angst we are currently experiencing actually resides in the form of Christianity we are
rejecting?
I also think this why the apostle Paul encouraged Timothy
with the words of today’s highlighted verse. They both lived during anxious,
insecure, and deeply disturbing times. Paul offered Timothy the same remedy
that I believe we need today: a divine assurance that the Spirit with which God
blesses us, can overcome any anxiety, fear, or insecurity through power, love,
and self-discipline.
Wherever you go today, or whatever you face, please know
this: God has your back because He fills you with His Spirit first.
Questions
for personal reflection
What am I worried about today? Am I willing to let God’s
Spirit subdue my fears and overcome my problems?
Prayer: Lord
Jesus, You are the Savior of our souls and the Champion of our faith. We look
to You to lead, guide, and be with us through whatever we have to presently
face or endure. In Your Holy Name, we thankfully pray. Amen.
John Stuart is the pastor
of Erin Presbyterian Church in
Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask questions or make comments about
today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.
Today’s image is one of
John’s Spirit drawings. If you would like to view a larger version, please
click on this link: Spirit.
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