October 6, 2021: No Need to Fear

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7, NKJV).

As I prepared for a final exam during my senior year of college, I became overwhelmed with worry about how I would do. My degree would be in Early Childhood Education, so I sought my grandmother Helen’s guidance, since she was a retired teacher. She comforted me with this Bible verse and spoke of the many times she turned to it in times of fear. It’s been more than 20 years since this conversation, and I still hide these words in my heart.

Referencing this verse, the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary (SDABC) says, “Genuine Christianity doesn’t produce cowards” (vol. 7, p. 329).

I’ve often reminded my daughter that fear and faith cannot share space in our heart. Faith is a gift from God, and He gives it abundantly. When doubt and fear surface in our minds, it’s a relief to rely on verses like
2 Timothy 1:7. God’s spirit of love “will carry us through the opposition we may meet with. It will set us above the fear of man and all the hurt that man can do to us” (SDABC, p. 329).

In a world that is often filled with chaos and confusion, it’s reassuring to know that, not only is Jesus’ pattern an example of how to move through our days with power united with love, but also with the opportunity to use the good sense God gave us.

Thank You, God, for alleviating all of our fears. Amen.

Alison Jobson is the associate director of early childhood education for the Columbia Union Conference.