The King James Version of the Bible includes the words “Fear Not” 71 times. Whether it is God speaking to Moses from the burning bush, or the angel appearing to Mary telling her she would be the mother of Jesus, or Jesus speaking to John in his vision in Revelation, or one of the many other occasions, it is spoken often to those who trust God.

What gives us the ability to overcome our fear in frightening situations? I believe it is looking at the “bigger picture”, or having confidence in something larger than the source of the fear, that makes the difference. For example, learning to ride a bike as a child may be frightening, but with a parent right their preventing the wipe-out, the child can overcome his or her fear. Or speaking in public, stepping back to put the event in context and look at the “Big Picture” helps us realize that whether it goes well or not does not determine our value, and is just one of many steps in our lives.

In 2 Timothy 1:7-8, Paul is explaining the larger power to Timothy, and giving him encouragement to be bold in spreading the Good News, saying, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.”

We probably all would have our own picture of the combination of Power, Love, and Self Discipline in the same person, the Knight in Shining Armor, the ER Nurse, or many others. What Paul is saying, however, is each of us is the picture of Power, Love, and Self Discipline, when we rely on the spirit God gives us.

Dear Lord, We thank you for giving us the spirit of power, love and self-discipline. Help us remember that when we rely on you and your spirit in us, we can be bold and live our faith without fear, no matter what happens. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.