Scriptures to bring us calm, banish fear, and build our trust
By Dean Collins
Maybe it’s because we are in the middle of football season and at the beginning of basketball season that 2 Timothy chapter 1 strikes me as a bit of a half-time locker room talk. It’s all about how to face the second half of the game. Or maybe Paul’s words resonate so strongly with me today because I need reminding that I am in the second half of my career and still find some things creating anxiety.
I am also encouraged that the One Year Bible Reading plan I am using includes Psalm 91 on the same day as 2 Timothy 1. In the early 90s I latched onto this verse from 2 Timothy 1: “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Over the years I have quoted this verse in prayers and to myself more times than I can count.
Sometime after I began the practice of speaking the truth of 2 Timothy 1:7 to God when facing situations that made me anxious, I also began to read Psalm 91 in times of uncertainty and stress. Take a moment and consider these powerful verses of Scripture:
“I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”
”For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
“You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. “
“But share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.”
“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. “
“When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.”
As I consider these passages from 1 Timothy chapter 1 and Psalm 91 I am reminded how many times I have experienced God’s strength, his rescue, his protection, and his provision in seasons of great stress and suffering.
In every season God is faithful. He has not and will not abandon his beloved children. Take courage in the Lord today and then go boldly into the season and situation you currently face. You will not be alone!
Lord, today we are encouraged by your strong and powerful words of truth. Thank you for giving life to us in Christ and speaking life over us today! In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your time with God’s Word
2 Timothy 1:6-7 ; Psalm 91:1-16 ESV
Photo by Dziana Hasanbekava at pexels.com
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