Love, Power and a Sound Mind

Paul, in one encapsulating verse, is more definitive concerning the problem of fear, and solutions for it, than most of the books that have been written on the subject. Today’s text is that verse. It brings us close to the healing power of God. It gives both clarification and promise.

It clarifies its source. It tells us what its source is and is not. Its source is not God. “For GOD has not given us the spirit of fear.” When Adam and Eve sinned, the aftermath of it in their hearts caused them to fear. The thought of the presence of God provoked their fear. When we live self-centered lives that do not reflect the glory of God there is an instinctive reaction against God. We are made uncomfortable in His presence and, as a result, fear Him. When we realize the quality and degree of His love for us, all fear is overpowered.

The source of fear is a spirit. There are two meanings of the word “spirit.” On the one hand, it may be defined as a spirit of Satan or a demon. That is a very probable definition. The word used here can well be interpreted to mean a “spirit” in the sense of a demon. There is a form of fear that is very compulsive. Demonization may be identified by the compulsivity it causes in the unwary. This could be the source of many of the phobias that people experience.

The word “spirit” can also refer to an emotional/rational state. In this sense, it is primarily a reaction of the emotions and imaginations against undefined and irrational sensations. God certainly does not provoke those kinds of thoughts and emotions.

There are qualities and provisions of life that are our inheritance as believers that make us able to live above fear. Paul listed those as love, power, and a sound mind.

To walk in the Spirit has a very liberating effect when one is plagued by fear. The underlying and overarching dynamic of walking in the Spirit is love. We are taught that perfect love casts out all fear. As we rest and walk in the overwhelming love of our Heavenly Father, two things happen. We are shielded from fearful things by His love and the capacity for mature love is generated in us. Fear cannot exist in the presence of a fully realized and developed love.

The word translated “power” in the English versions of the Bible comes from a word in the original meaning “irresistible force.” Many systems that are designed to combat such negative emotions as fear, depend on rationalizations and manipulations of thought. A valuable quality of our inheritance as believers is spiritual power. Power is a product of faith. When we stand by faith against the things that provoke fear, we cannot be moved. God is powerfully present in the stand that we take. Paul encourages us: “having done all, stand.” In those distressing and fearful moments that come to all of us, we must learn the power we have in Christ Jesus.

A “sound mind” is a very valuable quality of life that is a product of the new birth and walking in the Spirit. A sound mind is a mind that is disciplined and uncluttered by unspiritual thoughts. When we bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ we will have a sound mind.

Confess today: I choose to bring my life, thoughts, and emotions under the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. I confess that He is my life, my strength, and my protection against every threat. I reject and renounce all fear and fearful thoughts. I choose to bask in His love and stand in His power. All fear, anxiety, and fearfulness are hereby commanded to leave. Forsaking all, I trust Him.

God bless you as beginning today you rest in love, stand in power, and thrive with a sound mind.

Jeff

• Jefferson H. and Norma R. Floyd, CO-directors • Jubilee International • P. O. Box 572 • Noblesville, IN 46061