God's Spirit

I have this theory that nothing good happens after 9pm on a work night.

“Brittani, I need you to come in early tomorrow. We need to talk and it cannot wait until Friday.”

That was a text from my boss at 9:30pm.  What followed was nothing less than pure panic, an anxiety attack (I mean the whole 9-yards - hyperventilating, gagging, tears), and a frantic phone call my mom.

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Fear.

It cripples.  It disables.  It impairs. It destroys.  It manipulates.

That’s what fear did to me that night and many nights before.

But also that night a prayer was answered.  A prayer that I prayed for years. A prayer for a “life verse.”

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

--2 Timothy 1:7

Fear - to be afraid

Timidity - lack of courage and confidence

The definition of these two words should be this:

Fear - BFry

Timidity - also BFry

My life was consumed by fear and timidity.  I, even, sometimes ran towards these very things that enslaved me.  But you see, God didn’t give me a spirit of fear or timidity.

Not only are these things not from God, but they are also not of God.

God’s Spirit [the Holy Spirit] is power:

Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies.

--Psalm 17:7

God’s Spirit is love:

May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God

--Ephesians 3:19

God’s Spirit has self-discipline:

These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.

--Colossians 2:23

That night I read 2 Timothy 1:7 over and over again until it was engraved in my mind (and my heart).  I memorized it.

I anticipated a restless night, but instead I slept like a peaceful baby with this verse playing like a tape in my mind.

Instead of being defined as “fearful” and “timid,” I’m choosing to call myself “powerful,” “loving,” and “disciplined.”

Instead of believing the lie that God’s Spirit is defined as or fill with fear and timidity, I’m choosing to abide in His Word, study His character, and know that His Spirit is full of power, love, and self-discipline.