Dealing with Fear and Anxiety

2 Timothy 1:6–9 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God

Fear and anxiety are common enemies of the faith. They may be from the anticipation of rejection and hostility. They may be from threatening circumstances. But fear and anxiety can surface in our hearts or in the hearts of those we love and with whom we minister, and we need to be prepared to combat them.

We may be encountering these enemies because of the constant news reports about COVID 19.  Or when we are interacting with people in the world who are terrified by the pandemic, we desire to share the hope of the gospel with them, but we find ourselves hesitating because we’re too concerned about the possibility of unfavorable reactions.

When we experience fear and anxiety, for whatever reason, we must recall the truths of Scripture that strengthen our faith in the promises of God’s provision. The passage above presents words of encouragement from the Apostle Paul to the young minister, Timothy. Paul reminds Timothy to remember the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, who, as a result of His regenerative presence, empowers Timothy for faithful ministry. The reality of the Spirit’s enabling grace receives the affirmation of Paul by his laying hands on Timothy as a public declaration of Timothy supernatural equipping for ministry. What Paul affirms in Timothy is an affirmation for every follower of Jesus. We are born again by the Spirit of God and supernaturally equipped for ministry by the Spirit of God.

Paul exhorts Timothy, and all followers of Jesus, to rest in the presence and power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. His presence confirms that we do not face fear like those in the flesh. God graciously gifts us His power, His love, and His ability not to lose control in the face of panic or passion. Power, love, and calmness of spirit are the provisions God gives His people. When facing rejection, hostility, and threatening circumstances, we are to remember this promise of provision and ask God to supply what we need.

Paul goes on to encourage caring and bold presentations of the gospel to unbelievers. Yes, unbelieving people will react with scorn, ridicule, and hostility. But by the power of God, we can endure and rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus (Cf. Acts 5:41). Furthermore, we joyfully anticipate those who will respond with repentance and faith to the gospel we share with them. In their desperation they need hope and we have the hope of Jesus to share with them.

May our fears and anxieties give way to the promise of power the Holy Spirit will provide us in our times of need! Be assured followers of Jesus; our God is greater than our fears. Let us cry out to our faithful God. Let us receive His assurance. Let us rest in the strength He supplies. Let us make known our gospel hope in Christ with confidence.