Not a Spirit of Fear!

Have you ever felt like the least qualified person for the job? That is how Gideon felt, yet God chose him anyway.

When we first meet Gideon in Judges 6, he is threshing wheat in a winepress—trying to hide his crops from enemy Midianite soldiers. He was just looking to survive another day. The last thing he expected was to be called “a mighty man of valor” by a messenger from God (vs. 12).

Yet this was exactly what happened. God had even more to say to this timid Israelite: “You have the strength. Deliver Israel from the power of the Midianites! Have I not sent you?” (vs. 14, New English Translation).

Gideon did not believe it. He protested: “How can I deliver Israel? Just look! My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my family” (vs. 15, NET). He did not see what God saw. Even after hearing a divine promise of victory, he needed more proof.

Placing a fleece of wool on the ground, Gideon asked that, by morning, the fleece would be wet but the ground dry. God answered. Still unsure, Gideon asked again—this time for the fleece to stay dry while the ground around it was soaked with dew. Once again, God patiently answered (vs. 36-40).

After this second miracle, Gideon readily did what God asked. Read the rest of the story in Judges 7.

What about you? Have you ever needed reassurance even when you already knew that God is with you?

Gideon’s story shows that when we feel afraid or inadequate, God is very patient. It shows us that initial fear does not disqualify us from being used by God. In fact, our timidity, hesitations and worries are something He promises to help us overcome.

As Paul told Timothy centuries later, “God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (II Tim. 1:7).

This is what God gives us instead of fear. He gives us the power to persevere, the love to focus on others and the sound mind to think clearly during tough times.

Thankfully, we do not have to muster these things on our own. God freely gives them to us when we ask for more of His Holy Spirit.

Forms of Fear

Fear can take many different forms, many of which we can carry quietly. You might be anxious about your income or how you will provide for your family. You might fear rejection from friends, co-workers or relatives. You may be getting older and wonder if you will still be useful. Maybe you have even asked, “Will I really make it into the Kingdom?”

Such fears do not come from God. They come from human nature. But God understands, and He is ready to help us overcome them.

Take to heart these words from Jesus Christ: “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For…your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:31-33, English Standard Version).

We have all faced rising costs and other financial burdens. We battle health trials. We have difficult encounters being challenged about our beliefs. These all add pressure. But God reminds us: “The fear of man brings a snare: but whoso puts his trust in the Lord shall be safe” (Prov. 29:25).

Fear does not always look the same. It sometimes hides as hesitation or procrastination. We may pull back from serving or from speaking up because we feel uncertain or unqualified. We may stay in the background—even when we know God has opened a door.

It is not uncommon to hear someone say, “I could never speak in front of a group,” “I’m not smart enough to teach others,” or “I don’t know how to be a leader.” Statements like these can sound humble but often reflect a fear of failure or of responsibility.

When we give in to such thoughts, we start believing we are not enough—even when God has shown us otherwise. We have all been there. But God does not give up on us.

Even Moses fell into such thinking. In Exodus 3:11, he said to God, “Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?” In the next chapter, he added, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent…I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue” (4:10). But with God’s help, he overcame his fear and went on to do great things.

The same can be true for you.

In Isaiah 41:10, God says: “Fear you not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness.”

Whenever fear rises up, we must respond with faith: “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You” (Psa. 56:3, New King James Version).

Relying on God is the path forward. It is how we overcome any fear we may have.

Spirit of Power

God’s Spirit is the very power by which He created all things (Psa. 33:6). The miraculous act of Creation shows how unfathomably strong that power is. And that same Holy Spirit continues to sustain the entire universe (Col. 1:16-17).

He promises to give that same power to those He has called. Peter said, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you…and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). God gives His Spirit to those who obey Him and seek to do His will. It is a gift. And it is a real source of strength.

Can you see that power in your life? Your calling is one example. His invisible power led you to His truth. Your spiritual understanding is a miracle. As Jesus said, “It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given” (Matt. 13:11).

The fact that we can grow and overcome sin is another miracle. Through God’s Spirit, our minds are opened, and we have become something new (II Cor. 5:17).

God promises strength when we need it most: “He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increases strength…But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles” (Isa. 40:29, 31). His Spirit helps keep us going even when we feel like giving up.

How can we access that strength when fear or discouragement begin to weigh us down? Start by asking God for help—specifically asking Him for the awesome power that comes from His Spirit. Go to the Bible and read promises like Isaiah 40 or Psalm 18. Take a step forward in faith, even a small one. God’s power often becomes more obvious once you begin to act. The more you lean on Him, the more you will see His strength show up where yours ends.

You are not alone. Some of the greatest servants in the Bible also had to overcome discouragement. Moses, Jonah and Elijah all reached low points in their lives. But God helped them press on and fulfill His will. He will do the same for you. He will give you everything you need to be strong.

When hard times hit, how should we respond? Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). Jesus said, “With God all things are possible” (Matt. 19:26). And Proverbs 28:1 adds, “The wicked flee when no man pursues: but the righteous are bold as a lion.”

Let’s live by these truths. Allow God’s Spirit to make you bold and stand strong.

Spirit of Love

The apostle John wrote, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love” (I John 4:18).

Fear turns our attention inward, but love turns it outward. It lifts our eyes from our problems and puts them on the needs of others. This is the kind of love God gives us through His Spirit.

It does not take much—offering an encouraging word, helping someone with yardwork, running an errand or making a meal. These may seem small, but they show love in action.

The more we show outflowing concern to others, the less space fear has to grow.

Love requires sacrifice. Paul encouraged the Romans, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (12:1). Love may mean giving up your time, putting someone else’s needs ahead of your own, or stepping out of your comfort zone to encourage or support them.

When you see someone sitting alone at Church services or get a sense that they are having a hard week—reach out. Ask how they are doing. If needed, let them know you will pray for them. Invite them over for a meal. These are not small things in God’s eyes. They are evidence that His Spirit is at work in you.

God has not just told us to love. He makes it possible: “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us” (Rom. 5:5). On our own, we cannot love this way. But with God’s help, we can.

When we find ourselves stuck in worry—and we all do at times—God’s Spirit can help us look outward. Look for someone you can encourage or serve. These small acts of love can help push fear out. And the more that kind of love becomes part of who we are, the less fear will remain.

Spirit of a Sound Mind

A sound mind is not just about being calm—it is about being steady and anchored in God’s truth. It does not respond based on impulse or emotion.

Paul wrote, “Be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom. 12:2). This transformation means learning to recognize wrong ways of thinking, and letting God shape our minds day by day through His Spirit.

God’s Word helps us think like He does. It teaches us what matters, what to focus on and how to make decisions that reflect His will. When our thinking is aligned with His truth, we are not easily shaken by fear, distraction or uncertainty.

Paul described it best: “Be careful for nothing [this means do not be anxious]; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).

This peace is real. It helps us pause before we react. It steadies us when life feels unsteady. It keeps us from spiraling when things do not go our way.

So how do we cultivate this mindset? We ask for more of God’s Spirit. We pray regularly and specifically. We train ourselves to catch negative thoughts—little by little—and replace them with positivity. When a worry hits, we do not let it take over, we bring it before God in prayer.

Allow Jesus’ example to inspire you. He said, “The Father who dwells in Me, He does the works” (John 14:10). The Spirit of God guided His thoughts, words and choices. That same Spirit can shape our thinking too—helping us respond with wisdom and strength.

Gideon eventually developed this kind of mental clarity. Once he trusted God’s promises, he stopped wavering and started leading. That did not come from natural confidence—it came from God working in him.

A sound mind is built by drawing on God’s Spirit. He knows this process takes time and He will be patient with us as we grow. We can know God is with us when we feel the presence of that sound mind at work in the form of calm, confident trust in God.

Fan the Flames

Paul told Timothy to “stir up the gift of God, which is in you…” (II Tim. 1:6). The word “stir” means to rekindle—to fan the flames. God’s Spirit is not a one-time spark we receive at baptism. It is a fire that must be fed. If left alone, it can grow dim. But if stirred, it can burn brightly and fill our lives with power, love and a sound mind.

You have a part to play in getting the most out of God’s Spirit. You must work to keep it strong. That might mean praying more earnestly, digging deeper into Scripture, periodically fasting, and stepping out in faith when it would be easier to stay quiet or still.

God freely offers you a limitless source of power. The more you remember how God has worked in the past—through answered prayers or the peace He gave—the more confidently you can draw on His Spirit today. It will help you face down fears and do the work God has given you. It is how you can change and grow. That Spirit allows you to build His character and learn to think like He does.

So when fears rise up—when worry clouds your mind or you begin to feel inadequate—remember what Paul told Timothy. Ask God to help you stir up His Spirit in you. Remind yourself what that Spirit is: not a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.

Never let the flame of God’s Spirit die down. If you need to, take action and fan it back into a radiant fire. God gave you His Spirit for a reason. Keep it alive and working in you.