7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7. NKJV
It seems obvious to me that fear does not originate with God. Yes we do experience it and it is a natural condition of the mind and emotional reaction to the unknown. It takes a supernatural response to not be overcome with fear to our circumstances.
So how do we go from overcoming our natural response to a supernatural response of faith and belief that will lead to “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding?” Phillipians 4:7
To be honest we must first realize who the peace originates with. It does not originate with us but rather with God. That is important to know because we know that we can trust him. His peace if far more effective for what we face, and it is not just a blind hope, but based on his faithfulness to his word, and by his character, and by his actions of the past.
First we can trust his faithfulness to his word by knowing that his word is true and that it does not change, and it is powerful and effective and is guaranteed to accomplish it’s purpose.
However to have faith and trust in his word, we actually have to know what his word is and what it says. You actually have to have his word in your soul and mind, so that with the help of the Holy Spirit, it will remind you of God’s love and faithfulness. “This is my comfort in my affliction,
For Your word has given me life.” Psalms 119: 49
Secondly, he is faithful to his character. He does not change. The same God who spoke all of creation into existence, is the same God who, delivered the children of Israel from slavery through the Red Sea, who delivered a man from a lions den, who rescued three men who were thrown alive into a fiery furnace, who woke up a man named Lazarus who was dead for three days! So tell me, what can’t he do? “For I am the Lord, I do not change;” Malachi 3:6
He has a very faithful track record. So with that assurance that he has your best interest at heart, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
So whatever may come our way, we are in good hands, because even if it is his will that we sleep in the grave, fear not because he has even overcome that and has promised us victory over the same.
Eugene Coghill
It’s so easy to forget this and lose your way. Thank you for your writing, just what I needed to hear today. Of course, that is how God works.
Eugene,
Such reassurance is what we all need in these surreal times. Thanks be to God for your strong Faith.