For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).

Fear is a crippling emotion that creeps into our lives: fear of death, fear of ill health, fear of eating the wrong food, fear of failure, fear of financial loss, fear of rejection, fear of losing a job, fear of tomorrow. The list is endless.

The spirit of fear, however, is not one of God’s gifts for His children. It must be rejected. Satan would neutralize your testimony and joy through fear. You need, rather, to accept God’s power over fear. Delight in His abounding love. He will bless you with a sound mind.

Someone has said there are 365 "fear nots" in the Bible. Claim them. Trust in God is a great vanquisher of your fears. The Psalmist said, "I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears" (Psalm 34:4).

God is not the author of fear! Fear can freeze the heart. Therefore submit to the Holy Spirit to energize you with power for living, engulf you with love for service, and encourage you with soundness of mind to enjoy the will of God.

The spirit of fear comes not from the Lord,
But His great gifts are power and love;
A sound mind is promised to all who believe
In the God who reigneth above.
                                                          —E.R.G.