The recent tragedy at the Navy ship yard in Washington DC--another in a string of senseless massacres--is potentially terrorizing. How do we send our children out into a world so ransacked with sin and anger and volatility? Do we need to carry guns to protect ourselves? Do we pull into our private--seemingly safe world--and limit our exposure to the real world around us? It is hard not to live in fear.
Fear has torment. Fear paralyzes. Fear is from the enemy. Paul wrote his protege, young Timothy who was struggling with fear, "God has not given us the spirit of fear (timidity) but a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline." What do we do with that statement?
1. Fear is the enemy's tool to diminish our productivity and to dampen our enthusiasm for the pursuit of a purposeful full life.
2. Fear is NOT from God; therefore, we know it is from the enemy whose declared purpose is to destroy us for he goes about "like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour."
3. What God has given us in place of fear is...
"a spirit of love"--our love for God, and the remembrance of His love for us reminds us of His promised care and sovereign oversight of our lives.
"a spirit of power"--our link to God as His children indwelt by the Holy Spirit results in a confidence in His ability to sustain us and protect us.
"a spirit of self-discipline"--our life in God is one of presenting ourselves to Him daily, resting in the knowledge of what we intentionally affirm to be true in His Word-and not succumbing to the spirit of the world that would depress us.
We have not seen the last tragedy or act of terrorism in our lifetime; as long as sin reigns in men's lives it will be our daily fare. We are drawn by our love for Christ--a love that "casts out fear"--to a deeper relationship of trust and confidence in Him.
Cling to Him today..."casting your cares upon Him for He cares for you..."
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