Overcoming Fearful Times - 2 Timothy 1:7

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 21^st 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.

Peace Devotion: Perfect Peace - Isaiah 26:3

Isaiah 26:3      You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.

            We’re all looking for peace in our lives. Peace and quiet in order to rest. Peace in our households in order to get along. Peace at our work, so we can be effective as teams. Peace in our neighborhood, so we can sleep at night. Peace in our church, so we can minister to the larger community. Peace in our souls, so we can be renewed and re-strengthened by God.

            The old Hebrew word for peace is ‘Shalom,’ which is a complete peace. The perfect peace that Isaiah refers to in today’s verse is even greater than that – it’s a divinely gifted peace which blesses the body with health, the mind with clarity, the heart with strength, and the spirit with holiness. It’s what God meant us to experience when He first created us as human beings.

            As Christians, we look for that perfect peace in Jesus. He forgives us of our failures, restores us to God’s favor, and reshapes our lives so that we can serve God faithfully, cheerfully, and wisely. It’s a wonderful gift and something that we should always aspire toward.

            So, today, in the midst of yet another busy day, let’s seek God’s perfect peace by embracing His presence and placing our faith, hopes, and lives in His loving hands.

Questions for personal reflection

Where do I currently need God’s perfect peace in my life? How may I seek this blessing from Christ?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we all need peace in our lives. We call You the Prince of Peace, so we pray that You will allow us this precious gift in our lives, our homes, our schools, our workplaces, and in our communities. In Your Holy Name, we humbly 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 this message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com. John appreciates your feedback J

Today’s drawings is one of John’s special Celtic Crosses called Seochan, which is a Celtic Peace Cross. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Seochan.